(Estherville)– Estherville police say they’ve made an arrest in connection with two car burglaries that were reported back on March 17th.
They say they got their break in the case this past Friday when a citizen reported to law enforcement that he observed two suspects in Fort Defiance State Park that were burning items. The caller stated the suspects became nervous when he entered the campground area and left. The reporting party was able to write down a license plate number of the vehicle and gave it to authorities.
Upon arriving on the scene, an officer with the Iowa Department Of Natural Resources reported that he found a dance costume and shoes for a child that had been burned in a fire pit. It was later determined the items had been taken in a vehicle burglary in Estherville. Upon further investigation, officers determined the suspects had burned the items in an attempt to conceal the evidence from the car burglary.
Authorities say they concluded their investigation on Monday when officers obtained and executed a search warrant at 9 Westwood Court in Estherville. A search of the residence and an outbuilding turned up property that was stolen from atleast two motor vehicle burglaries.
35-year-old Norman Escalera, who resides at that address, was arrested and charged with two counts of burglary in the 3rd degree and one count of obstructing justice. Escalera was released on his own recognizance following an initial appearance this (Tues.) morning before a magistrate.
Estherville police say additional charges are pending in the case.
The Estherville Police Department was assisted by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the observant citizen.
