Runaway juveniles accused of Iowa City crime spree

IOWA CITY - Police said a trio of juveniles committed a series of crimes Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

According to the Iowa City Police Department, officers responded to the Four Oaks Juvenile Shelter at 9:33 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a 14-year-old boy, 13-year-old girl and 12-year-old boy who had run away.

Four hours later, police responded to a burglary report at Iowa Interstate Railroad, 800 Webster St. There, officers found evidence of a break-in and property damage. Property and cash were also stolen.

Around 2:30 p.m., police responded to Carousel 2 Car dealership, 265 Stevens Drive, for a report of juveniles breaking items. Responding officers found the three runaways at the dealership and took them into custody.

Police said at some point during the evening, the juveniles climbed into the Durham School Services lot, 2185 S. Gilbert St., and smashed school bus windows, discharged fire extinguishers and broke other items. The damage done in the services lot is estimated to be between $1,000 and $10,000, police said.

All three juveniles face charges of second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, according to Sgt. Scott Gaarde.

Police said there could be additional vandalism cases and are asking the public to contact officer Robert Rooff at 319-356-5275 or robert-rooff@iowa-city.org.

The case remains under investigation, police said.