Tip from neighbor helps police arrest Cedar Rapids burglary suspects

Police said a neighbor's tip led to the arrest two people accused of breaking into a vacant Cedar Rapids house.

Officers responded around 4 a.m. Monday to a report of a burglary in progress at 427 F Ave. NW. No one was around when the units arrived, but the neighbor provided a description of two men leaving the scene.

Just down the block, police located William Kimpton, 40, no listed address, and Brennon Countryman, 17, of 518 16th St. SE. They matched the description and were arrested.

Police said Countryman had a pair of pliers with him, which they believe were used to remove a screen on the vacant house. An officer also found a knife longer than three inches in Kimpton's possession, according to the police report.

Both were arrested on suspicion of attempted second-degree burglary. Kimpton was cited for carrying a concealed weapon, and Countryman was cited for possession of burglary tools.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said it was not immediately clear whether anything was taken from the house, because the owner had not made a complete check yet. She said no one was currently living at the house, which was being renovated.

Kimpton was taken to the Linn County Jail and Countryman was taken to the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center.