Arrest made for Riverside burglary

RIVERSIDE — Washington County police officials said an arrest was made on Dec. 23 for a commercial burglary at La Chiva Loca in Riverside, which forced the business to close for nine days of repairs in mid-July.

Court documents allege that Travis Lennox, of Ottumwa, stole $150 worth of merchandise, but caused five figures worth of property damage.

“I walked through the business and observed carnage,” said an affidavit from an officer responding to the July 17 call. “Several items were broken and scattered throughout the business … I received an invoice for the repairs to the damaged items and structure (and) the damages exceeded $23,000.“

Court documents said Lennox was identified by DNA evidence found at the scene, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Lennox was arrested on a warrant by the Ottumwa Police Department, according to a news release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. He was transferred to the Washington County Jail, and was released after paying the $15,300 cash bond.

Court documents show that Lennox was charged with third degree burglary and first degree criminal mischief for the incident. Officials said he would also be charged with fifth degree theft, which is a simple misdemeanor.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com