The Muscatine Police Department has arrested two men in connection with a series of car break-ins that also involved attempted vehicle theft, according to a news release from the department.

Zachary Eli Early, 18, and Justin Cortez Bass, also 18, were arrested Tuesday, Nov. 19, after they were seen breaking into a vehicle along the 200 block of West Seventh Street. They were stopped by officers around 9:35 p.m. as they tried to flee the area on foot.

In the release, officers investigated and learned that Early and Bass were responsible for two other vehicle burglaries, as well as the attempted burglary of a fourth vehicle, all in the same area. They were charged with three counts of third-degree burglary, three counts of third-degree criminal mischief, one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of attempted first-degree burglary the third. Bass was also charged with possession of burglary tools.

Early and Bass have preliminary hearings Nov. 26.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, go to WHBF – OurQuadCities.com.