OTTUMWA – A Clinton man is in custody for allegedly using a baseball bat to damage multiple properties in Ottumwa on Tuesday morning.

47-year-old Edward Meeker is accused of causing damage to a total of four different properties and businesses on 3rd Street and Richmond Avenue in Ottumwa. According to court documents, Meeker allegedly used a baseball bat to smash a front door, two windows at a business, a business sign, a water fountain, a gas pump, tin siding, a power box and meter, and a control module box. Authorities estimated that Meeker caused over $17,000 in damages over the course of the incident, which took place in the early morning hours on Tuesday. Meeker is additionally accused of stealing a gallon of water and a coffee from an Ottumwa gas station. 

Meeker was eventually located by law enforcement in a vehicle on 90th Street. Court records state that a police K9 unit alerted officers to the presence of drugs, and after executing a probable cause search, officers found a THC vape pen in the vehicle.

Following this incident, Meeker was arrested and he now faces a total of 6 criminal charges, including 1st Degree Criminal Mischief (class C felony), two counts of 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief (class D felony), 3rd Degree Criminal Mischief (aggravated misdemeanor), Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana, Third or Subsequent Offense (aggravated misdemeanor), and 5th Degree Theft (Simple Misdemeanor). He remains in custody at the Wapello County Jail on a $50,000 bond.