Ottumwa police say a man is in custody after he broke into an apartment early Monday morning and stole a safe while intoxicated.
32-year-old Luvenky Ariste has been charged with second-degree burglary (Class C felony), second-degree theft (Class D felony), false reports to a public entity (serious misdemeanor), public intoxication (simple misdemeanor), and fifth-degree criminal mischief (simple misdemeanor).
At 1:15 AM, court records say Ariste entered an occupied apartment on North Market and gained entry into a locked bedroom. Ariste then took a safe that contained work documents, a social security card, a wallet, and approximately $3,000 in cash.
Ariste allegedly threw the safe through an apartment window, causing less than $300 in damage.
Additionally, police say Ariste called 911 and falsely told an operator that he was being chased by someone with a gun.
In the criminal complaint, officers noted Ariste displayed bloodshot, watery eyes and the odor of alcohol was emitting from his breath when they arrived at the scene. Ariste refused a breath test but admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages prior to the officers’ arrival.
Ariste was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail. His bond has been set at $15,000.
