Ottumwa Police say a violent home invasion led to multiple felony charges after a suspect allegedly forced entry into a residence, threatened the occupant, caused injuries, and damaged property before being taken into custody.
On February 16 at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers with the Ottumwa Police Department were dispatched to the 300 block of Birch Street in Ottumwa for a reported burglary.
According to court filings, 21-year-old Jay Guerra allegedly broke into a residence with the intent to commit assault and another felony offense. Authorities say Guerra entered the home, began yelling and threatening the victim, took her cell phone, and shoved her to the ground, causing severe pain to her hip and lower back. Officers reported observing redness on the victim’s lower back consistent with her statement.
Investigators state that Guerra also damaged multiple items inside the residence, with total property damage estimated at more than $1,500 but less than $10,000. The criminal complaint further alleges that he repeatedly threatened to kill the victim before leaving the scene.
Police later located Guerra on a public roadway and detained him. Officers reported smelling alcohol on his breath, and a search of his jacket allegedly revealed a marijuana glass smoking device in his pocket. Guerra consented to a preliminary breath test that registered .160% BAC and later to an evidentiary breath test on a DataMaster machine, which registered .183% BAC.
Guerra was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail, where he is being held on a $32,000 cash-only bond. Records show he waived his preliminary hearing.
He faces charges of first-degree burglary (Class B felony), second-degree criminal mischief (Class D felony), first-degree harassment (aggravated misdemeanor), and first-offense possession of marijuana (serious misdemeanor).
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
