Police: Cedar Rapids man stole car, tried to elude officers

CEDAR RAPIDS --- A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Sunday on charges he entered several people’s garages and stole a vehicle, according to Cedar Rapids police.

Robert Griffin, 25, is charged with third-degree burglary, fifth-degree theft, eluding, criminal mischief, driving while suspended and several other traffic-related charges.

According to a news release, police received multiple calls about 6:40 a.m. Sunday about an individual entering homes and garages. One person reported a vehicle had been stolen from a garage. The vehicle was spotted almost three hours later and was recovered in the 2700 block of Bever Ave. SE. Police said they believe Griffin was driving the vehicle.

A criminal complaint states that Griffin was caught on video Sunday getting in a vehicle — valued at less than $300 — in the 1200 block of N Ave. NW and trying to get it to start. He later was found in the 1600 block of Fifth Ave. SE with the keys to that vehicle.

It’s not clear in the police news release whether that is the same car he is accused of stealing.

A complaint states that police attempted to stop Griffin at 14th Avenue and 42nd Street SE while he was driving a 2010 Infiniti G37. He eluded police by driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit, starting in the 3800 block of Mount Vernon Road. He drove through a construction zone in the 1900 block of Mount Vernon Road and caused more than $1,500 worth of damage to the car, which he did not own.

Griffin was arrested Sunday and was being held in the Linn County Jail on bail totaling $18,500.

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