Burglary arrest clears break-ins at flood-wrecked buildings

A burglary arrest Monday netted the culprit in a series of break-ins in a flooded Cedar Rapids neighborhood, police said.

Police apprehended Daryl Zerbee Jr. and Christopher Townsend about 7:45 p.m. after the pair scaled a fence at Adam's Doors, 1870 McCloud Pl. NE, Sgt. Joe Clark said. Equipped with wire cutters and a flashlight, they entered the lot to steal metal and wire.

During questioning, Townsend admitted breaking into three flood-damaged properties in the 1200 block of First Street SE in October to steal copper pipes and wiring, Clark said.

Zerbee, 34, of 1016 15th St. SE, and Townsend, 18, of 1100 15th St. SE, were taken to the Linn County Jail. They were released after initial court appearances this morning.

Both men are charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools in connection with Monday's break-in. An additional charge of first-degree theft is filed against Townsend for breaking into a flood-damaged home, now owned by the city, at 1233 First St. SE Oct. 15 and taking scrap metal.