Cedar Rapids man accused in Iowa City car thefts

IOWA CITY - A Cedar Rapids man faces numerous charges after stealing two vehicles this weekend.

According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, around 8:30 a.m. Saturday, 19-year-old Quatron J. Cropp was witnessed stealing a red Pontiac Grand Prix from the Casey's convenience store on Broadway Street in Iowa City. Police said the vehicle was left unlocked and with the engine running. Video from the scene shows Cropp getting in the vehicle and driving away.

Police said the stolen car was later found at 1958 Broadway St. Cropp allegedly locked the vehicle, took the keys with him and stole two iPods and a phone from the vehicle. Police said when Cropp was arrested after a later incident, he had the stolen cellphone with him, as well as other electronic items. He was 'uncooperative” and refused to tell officers where the other stolen items could be found, police said.

According to criminal complaints, Cropp stole another vehicle Sunday morning around 9:30 a.m. Police said Cropp entered an open garage on Westside Drive and stole a GMC Envoy. Police said Cropp damaged the garage, garage door, door track and Envoy during the burglary.

Twenty minutes after the burglary, Cropp was observed in the stolen vehicle at the Kum & Go on Mormon Trek Boulevard. Police said Cropp sped out of the convenience store parking lot and refused to stop for officers, reaching speeds of at least 60 mph in a 25 mph zone. Cropp was eventually located on northbound Interstate 380 by a North Liberty police officer.

Police said Cropp admitted to being in the stolen vehicle and eluding police.

For the various offenses, Cropp faces three counts of second-degree theft and one count each of second-degree burglary, eluding and operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent.