Arrest made in theft of power cords that kept Cedar Rapids holiday lights dark

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Wednesday on charges he stole extension cords and related items from public holiday displays around Cedar Rapids, which was keeping dark Christmas displays in Greene Square, NewBo and the MedQuarter.

Scott Alan Clark, 48, was arrested on three counts of fifth-degree theft, and one count each of criminal mischief and illegal possession of prescription drugs.

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“Video evidence indicates Clark stole power cords several times in the last week,” a news release from Cedar Rapids police said. A criminal complaint with more details about the charges was not yet available Wednesday evening.

Officials previously told The Gazette that over the last two weeks, extension cords connected to light displays have been stolen in Greene Square and other downtown areas, at NewBo City Market and from a park in the MedQuarter at the corner of Third Avenue and Eighth Street SE.

The Greene Square and MedQuarter power cords were replaced for $300 after being stolen once — but the second set of cords were also stolen.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com