Teens accused of break-in at old Cedar Rapids city hall

CEDAR RAPIDS – Two teenagers were arrested after police said they broke into the former Cedar Rapids City Hall on May's Island over the weekend.

Officers responded around 12:45 p.m. Sunday to the flood-damaged building after a report of a burglary in progress. They surrounded the building and a K-9 unit dog arrived.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said two boys appeared on the east side of the building after police announced themselves and the K-9 dog barked at the main entrance. Hamblin said the officer did not see the boys come out of the building, but had been in the location earlier and no one was around. The officer heard a door open and then found the boys.

“They denied any involvement,” Hamblin said. “They claimed they had been there the entire time.”

Two 17-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of third-degree burglary. Hamblin said they are accused of removing plywood that was across a doorway.

Both boys were taken to the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center.