An Iowa City man has been accused of breaking into a hardware store.

Terry Griffin, 45, was charged Sept. 26 with third-degree burglary, possession of burglar’s tools, and second-degree criminal mischief.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, officers were dispatched to Orscheln Farm & Home Supply, 655 Hollywood Blvd., for a burglary alarm.

The alarm indicated an area referred to as the “tool room” had been broken into.

Upon entering the store, officers observed a forced entry was made into the back door, and burglary tools had been left on the scene.

A fence outside had been cut, which allowed access to the back door and window, which were also damaged.

Officials spotted two men running west. After a foot chase, Griffin was caught. He reportedly admitted to being in the area with another male and that there were two additional males in a vehicle parked behind Orschelin’s in a nearby parking lot.

Third-degree burglary and second-degree criminal mischief are Class-D felonies. Possession of burglar’s tools is an aggravated misdemeanor.

— by Megan Sanchez