On March 23, 2012 at approximately 12:08 a.m., Iowa City Police Officers responded to 212 E Bloomington Street for a female reporting she had just found an unknown male coming from her residence with items from her house. The female victim stated she confronted the male and attempted to get the items back. The male dropped her laptop computer and ran into the alley. The victim described the suspect as an older black male wearing a red sweatshirt and a black hat on backwards.
Officers flooded the area and began canvassing the neighborhood. A witness reported seeing a suspect matching that description walking to the northeast just minutes prior and Patrol and Street Crimes Unit Officers began checking the area on foot. At approximately 12:30 a.m., those officers located a suspect matching that description hiding on a rear porch at 326 N Linn St. The victim responded to the scene and positively identified the suspect as the person who had been inside her residence. In addition, officers located items belonging to the victim on the defendant.
The suspect was identified as Michael Phillip Howard, DOB: 08-22-54 of Iowa City. He was subsequently charged with Burglary in the Third Degree. 3rd Degree Burglary is a class “D” Felony which is punishable with imprisonment up to five years.
“As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
