More charges for man wanted in Cedar Rapids crime spree

CEDAR RAPIDS - A man arrested last week on warrants related to a two-month crime spree faces more charges.

According to Linn County Attorney's Office criminal complaints, 26-year-old Austin D. Jackson, no permanent address, faces theft and forgery charges for a series of crimes alleged to have occurred in November, December and January.

Authorities said that on Nov. 22, Jackson - using a fake name - rented a U-Haul from the U-Haul Rental Company, 2451 Williams Blvd. SW, and never returned it. The U-Haul, valued at more than $10,000, was not recovered until Jackson told officers where it could be found upon his arrest last week. He has been charged with first-degree theft for that incident.

On Dec. 5, Jackson allegedly used a stolen credit card to rent a room at the Days Inn and Suites, 2215 Blairs Ferry Road NE. Authorities said that Jackson then stole a TV and refrigerator from his hotel room. Jackson faces charges of second-degree theft and forgery for that incident.

Jackson was arrested Jan. 4 when he was a passenger stopped by police. He was wanted on numerous warrants for alleged crimes including breaking into a laundromat, forcing his way into a storage garage and stealing items inside and leading police on a high-speed chase after attempting to make a fraudulent credit card purchase.

According to new court documents, when police arrested Jackson on Jan. 4, he was carrying a stolen laptop valued at more than $500. For that offense, he has been charged with third-degree theft.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com