Man wanted for multiple Cedar Rapids crimes arrested after traffic stop

Lee Hermiston The Gazette More stories from Lee

CEDAR RAPIDS — A man faces a multitude of charges after he was arrested Thursday in connection with a variety of crimes alleged to have occurred in November and December.

Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow said 26-year-old Austin D. Jackson was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by police Thursday around 9:45 a.m. in the 1000 block of 33rd Street SE. Officers determined that Jackson, no known address, had arrest warrants for a multitude of crimes.

Buelow said Jackson is a suspect in a burglary that occurred at Westdale Laundromat, 3005 Wiley Blvd. SW that occurred on Nov. 10. Jackson allegedly broke into the laundromat and damaged a sink and drop ceiling. He faces charges of third-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal mischief in that case.

Jackson faces third-degree theft and third-degree burglary charges for allegedly breaking into a storage garage at 1141 16th Ave. SW at 8:40 p.m. Nov. 22. Buelow said Jackson is accused of stealing a tent, guitar and other items from the storage unit. He was identified using witnesses and surveillance video, Buelow said.

Jackson was also wanted for a series of incidents alleged to have occurred on Dec. 8. Buelow said that around 12:12 p.m. Dec. 8, Jackson attempted to make a fraudulent credit card purchase at Wal-Mart, 2645 Blairs Ferry Road NE, and fled in a Volkswagen. When officers located the suspect vehicle, Jackson allegedly evaded arrest by driving at a high rate of speed and running through red lights. Buelow said an officer broke of the pursuit due to Jackson’s driving.

Buelow said the Volkswagen was found near 42nd Street and Meadow Lane NE and a stolen, modified off shotgun was found inside. Jackson was identified as the suspect in that case and faces charges of unauthorized possession of offensive weapons, fifth-degree theft, eluding, reckless driving and other moving violations.

Jackson was also wanted in connection with an incident on Dec. 27. Buelow said officers attempted to pull over Jackson at 20th Avenue and Bowling Street when he was seen driving a Cadillac when a stolen dealer plate. Police said Jackson pulled into a parking lot in the 100 block of 20th Avenue SW and fled on foot from the vehicle. Buelow said the vehicle rolled and hit a fence. Jackson faces charges of hit and run, interference with official acts, fifth-degree theft, reckless driving, no driver’s license and no insurance in that case. Items stolen in a Benton County burglary were also found in the vehicle, Buelow said.

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