Iowa Man Caught After Chase, Following Burglaries at Storage Rental

An eastern Iowa man has been arrested on burglary charges, after leading authorities on a chase in Johnson County.

Just before 3:30am Tuesday (July 6), a Johnson County deputy interrupted a burglary in progress at Solon Storage Rentals.  On their website, the self-storage company is locally owned, with 24 hour access, and a security system. The company is located at 101 West 5th Street in Solon, but they also have storage units in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Cedar Rapids, West Branch, West Liberty, Marion, Hiawatha,  Shueyville, Swisher, Sutliff, Mount Vernon and Lisbon.

The suspect fled the scene in a sport utility vehicle, leading the officer on a short chase through Solon. He then fled on foot, in a residential area, where he was taken into custody after a short foot chase.

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The suspect has been identified as 40 year old Alex Ball of Solon. An investigation determined several of the storage units in Solon were burglarized.

Ball is being charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, Eluding, Operating While Intoxicated-1st Offense, and Interference with Official Acts.

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office was assisted with the arrest by the Iowa City Police Department, and the North Liberty Police Department.

The break-in's remain under investigation, and authorities are asking the public for any information they may have on the burglaries, the location of other stolen items, or any other crime, to contact the Johnson County Sheriff.  Their number is 319-356-6020.