Hunter
01/16/26
A Waterloo man wanted on theft and criminal mischief charges was taken into custody.
Police say on the morning of November 11th, 38-year-old Brandon Werkmeister of 4th Street was at the Fin and Feather on Highway 1 at 11:32 am. Staff said he selected and concealed two crossbows under a stolen jacket and left the store using the emergency exit. The merchandise was recovered near an establishment on the corner of the plaza and were valued at nearly $3800.
Werkmeister allegedly broke the bolts on the emergency exit bar during his escape.
Later that day, a traffic stop on Werkmeister was attempted on the 1600 block of Highland Avenue, but he allegedly fled the scene.. The vehicle was located a short time later, but Werkmeister had fled. The passengers reportedly identified him as the driver, and a female allegedly stated that they had been stealing items all night. Two passports were located inside the vehicle and were found to be stolen out of Cedar Falls. A pair of bolt cutters was also discovered.
Werkmeister’s driving status was found to be revoked and suspended.
Warrants were issued, and he was booked into the Johnson County Jail Thursday afternoon. He faces charges of 2nd degree Theft, 5th degree Criminal Mischief, Possession of Burglar’s tools, driving while revoked, and marijuana possession. If convicted on all charges, Werkmeister could be sentenced to over nine years in prison.