Hunter
02/02/23
An Iowa City man is accused of stealing the front bumper and grill from a van, and of taking the tools and equipment inside.
Police say sometime between December 30th and January 3rd, the victim had his 2011 Dodge Caravan broken into, with the front taken off the vehicle. Police say 39-year-old Joshua Kelley of Southgate Avenue also took tools and equipment valued at just over $5000 taken.
On January 20th, authorities executed a search warrant and seized Kelley’s 2016 Chrysler Town and Country. During a search of the vehicle, it was discovered that Kelly replaced his front bumper and grill with that of the 2011 Caravan he allegedly took. Numerous tools and equipment, including the victim’s, was also found inside Kelley’s van. The victim confirmed the equipment was his, and he and his mechanic confirmed the front bumper and grill were consistent with what was stolen from the Caravan.
Kelley was taken into custody and charged with 3rd degree burglary of a motor vehicle and 2nd degree Theft. If convicted on both charges, he could face up to ten years in prison.
Kelley’s arrest record shows numerous theft charges, including a 3rd degree burglary conviction from September 2022.