MASON CITY – Police reacted quickly to a burglary in progress Monday morning and arrested a local man they found hiding in a shed.
According to police, shortly after 2:00 AM this morning, the Mason City Police Department received a call of a burglary in progress to the Westside Manor Apartments, located at 2401 South Taft Avenue. Officers immediately responded to the area and located a male subject hiding in a nearby maintenance shed located on the property. The subject was identified as Monte Bitker, age 30, now calling Rockwell home.
Bitker was found to be in possession of several items that had been stolen from the office building located on the property at 2401 South Taft Avenue. Bitker was charged with burglary in the third degree as well as criminal trespassing.
Bitker was also wanted on two outstanding warrants in Cerro Gordo county. The warrants were for failing to appear for a serious assault and a parole revocation.
Bitker is now in the Cerro Gordo County Jail, held on no bond.
Police believe that Bitker did not act alone in the burglary attempt, and are asking the public to come forward with any information that might help in apprehending the unknown subject. Police ask that information be turned in by calling 641-421-3636.