An eastern Iowa man faces numerous charges after an alleged vandalism spree in Ottumwa that damaged multiple properties Tuesday morning.
47-year-old Edward Meeker of Clinton was charged with the following:
- First-degree criminal mischief (Class C felony)
- Two counts of second-degree criminal mischief (Class D felony)
- Third-degree criminal mischief (aggravated misdemeanor)
- Possession of a controlled substance – marijuana, third or subsequent offense (aggravated misdemeanor)
- Fifth-degree theft (simple misdemeanor)
Court records say in the early morning hours of April 22nd, Meeker damaged four different businesses and properties on Third Street and Richmond Avenue in Ottumwa. Meeker is accused of using a baseball bat to smash a front glass door, two business windows, a gas pump, a plastic smoker’s receptacle, a business sign, tin siding, a power box and meter, a water fountain, and a control module box. Court filings estimate Meeker caused over $17,000 in damages.
Police say Meeker also a took a gallon of water and a coffee from a gas station without paying.
Police found Meeker in a vehicle on 90th Street, according to the criminal complaint. Court documents say a K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics and after a probable cause search, a THC vape pen was discovered on the driver’s side floorboard.
Meeker was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail where he is being held on a $50,000 cash only bond.
Meeker has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 30th.
