An Ottumwa man faces several charges after allegedly stealing a cell phone and getting into an altercation when the phone’s owner tried to get it back.
41-year-old Sesar Napoles was charged with third-degree theft – enhanced, possession of marijuana – third or subsequent offense, interference with official acts, disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On July 27, court records say officers from the Ottumwa Police Department were dispatched to a theft in progress near Iowa Avenue and Second Street. Napoles allegedly took a cell phone at a laundry mat. The owner used an app on his girlfriend’s cell phone to track the stolen phone.
Police say the stolen phone was shown on the 100 block of North Iowa Avenue. The victim and his girlfriend drove to the location to see Napoles in possession of his phone. The victim demanded the phone back from Napoles who refused and ran away.
According to court documents, the victim caught up with Napoles after a two-block chase. Napoles did not return the phone and shoved the victim which was witnessed by police and another citizen.
Officers described Napoles as being “excited and under the influence” while continuing to argue with the victim. When law enforcement, advised Napoles that he was under arrest and was going to be placed in handcuffs, Napoles turned and flexed his arm preventing the officer from putting the handcuffs on him.
Later, court records allege Napoles was found to have two THC vape pens, three glass pipes with residue, one smoking pipe with residue, a deer antler with residue, and a metal pipe with residue in his possession.
Napoles is currently in the Wapello County Jail. His bond has been set at $5,000.
