Coralville man arrested in drunken burglary spree

Police say a drunken Coralville man broke into four unoccupied vehicles and one apartment complex late Monday night.

Joel K. Steine, 39, of 320 Second Street No. 124, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree burglary, four counts of third-degree burglary of an unoccupied vehicle, criminal mischief and public intoxication.

Police said Steine broke into four cars in the 400 block of Second Street and rummaged through the cars before stole some items. He broke a window on one of the automobiles, causing $400 in damage.

According to police reports, Steine also entered an apartment complex at 405 Second St., where he stole a mirror and picture from a hallway.

Two witnesses that lived at the complex followed Steine to another car. When Steine noticed the two witnesses, he followed them back to the complex. Police said the door was locked, so Steine broke through a window on the door and re-entered the hallway, knocked on the witness' apartment door, then left.

Police said when they found Steine in the area of the burglaries, he smelled of alcohol and had blood-shot, watery eyes. Officers said Steine admitted to drinking, and has two previous public intoxication charges on his record.

Steine was being held at the Johnson County Jail Tuesday on a $30,000 cash-only bond.