UPDATE: Marion police solve three burglaries despite dog bites

CEDAR RAPIDS – Marion police say they solved three burglaries and recovered stolen property when they converged on a Cedar Rapids house Monday morning.

Several officers executed a search warrant at 630 Ninth Ave. SE after learning that computer equipment stolen around midnight from Compass Learning Center, 2999 10th St., had been traded for marijuana at the Cedar Rapids residence. Police said the stolen computer equipment, a rifle that was stolen in April, a handgun and marijuana was seized during the search.

Two Marion police officers were bitten by a dog chained outside at the house, as they took one young man into custody. Their injuries were minor, but animal control officers took away the dog and two python snakes that were found in the house.

Five young men were charged in connection with Sunday's burglary at the alternative school. They were arrested on suspicion of various charges:

- Troy Brincks, 17, of Marion, third-degree burglary

- Devin Gamm, 17, of Marion, third-degree burglary

- William Robison, 17, of Cedar Rapids, second-degree theft (possession of stolen property) and delivery of a controlled substance

- Zachary Ludvik, 19, of Marion, conspiracy to commit burglary and possession of a controlled substance

- Justin Candler, 18, of Marion, conspiracy to commit burglary

Police said Brincks and Gamm were responsible for a previous break-in at the school on May 10, when computer equipment was taken. Both were facing another count of third-degree burglary. Candler and Robison were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary for their involvement that night, police said.

Joshua Conklin, 20, of Marion, was arrested at the house Monday morning, as well, for interference with official acts. Police said he also faces a fifth-degree theft charge for stealing a rifle from a Marion residence last month. Robison had another charge of fifth-degree theft for having the rifle in his possession.

Two other young people were arrested by police Monday at the Cedar Rapids house. Hanna Madren, 18, of Marion, was arrested for drug possession and Shane Newcomb, 20, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested for giving false information to police.

Police said they cracked the case with help from witnesses, who reported two or three people running from the area of the alternative school Sunday as officers arrived. From there, investigators were able to get a description of the vehicle the suspects used, which was found within a couple hours.

The dog taken by animal control is on a 10-day quarantine at the city shelter, as is required by law, according to manager Diane Webber. She said the owner will have the right to reclaim the dog after that quarantine. If it is determined the owner violated the city ordinance on vicious and dangerous animals, the city will deal with that situation separately, Webber said.

The snakes were placed in a reptile rescue outside the city limits, Webber said.