Cedar Rapids man arrested for igniting woman’s home with brake cleaner

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Tuesday for arson after police say he attempted to burn down a woman’s house.

Austin Lee Strub, 29, has been charged with first-degree arson, a Class B felony, after police say he forced entry into a woman’s home in the 1100 block of Crestview Drive SE and threatened to “torch the place.”

A criminal complaint alleges that the defendant used a lighter and aerosol can of brake cleaner to ignite and spray the kitchen wall and front door. Police noted damage corroborating the victim’s account, and found the lighter and aerosol can they say was used.

In addition to arson, Strub is charged with making threats with an explosive or incendiary device. He’s held on $52,000 cash or surety bond at Linn County Jail.

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