March 19, 2024

Man sought for Iowa thefts arrested in Florida

CEDAR FALLS — A man charged with writing a series of bad checks to buy jewelry, bicycles and a car from Cedar Falls businesses has been arrested in Florida.

Cedar Falls police said Tuesday that Troy Engle was arrested last week in Manatee County, Florida on eleven arrest warrants for theft. Capt. Craig Berte says the 33-year-old opened a checking account with a $50 deposit in late October, then wrote at least $22,000 in checks for merchandise.

He says the jewelry and bicycles were pawned for cash, while the vehicle was recovered with Engle in Florida.

Berte says he expects more businesses to come forward as victims, and the losses to rise. He says Engle was arrested after police received information that he may be in Florida.

Engle’s jailed while facing extradition proceedings.