Iowa City burglary suspect tells police he doesn't remember incident

One of the two men charged with breaking into an Iowa City apartment in the middle of the night, causing over $500 in damage with a fire extinguisher, told police he didn't remember the incident.

Officers responded to E. Court St. at around 1 a.m. Feb. 21, where they found someone had eaten food from the refrigerator, used the bathroom, broke a water jug, opened doors and sprayed a fire extinguisher in the living room and kitchen area. Damage was estimated at $523.09.

After reviewing video surveillance from the apartment complex, police identified Alex Smith, 21, of Iowa City, and Lucas Motta, 22, of Grinnell, as suspects in the burglary. The two men were charged Monday with trespass causing damage and third-degree criminal mischief.

Smith told police that he was “black out drunk” and had no recollection of what he had done. Motta denied being at the apartment, telling police he was with his friend Smith all night. Motta described the clothing he was wearing that night to police, and police say it matched the clothing seen in the surveillance footage.