Trail of blood connects multiple burglaries

Marcus Allen Curiel was arrested at about 9:20 a.m. at 415 1st Ave. S.E. in relation to four burglaries, including one where he cut his arm, according to the Le Mars Police Department.

"They followed his blood trail," Police Chief Stu Dekkenga said.

Curiel was listed as "drunk," Dekkenga added.

The first burglary report came from Tom Tanhoff, at 508 Central Ave. S.E., Le Mars, who told police that his detached garage and his home were broken into. The suspect broke a window in the garage to gain entrance and in the process, cut his wrist. the suspect then broke into the back door of the home and entered it. There was blood in the garage and house believed to be from the suspect. A box of old papers from the back porch was the only item Tanhoff reported missing.

A second report came from Paul Dalton nearby, at 414 First Ave. S.E., in the upstairs apartment. Dalton reported that someone had entered his apartment and taken several clothing items, mail, and a child's bike. Blood droplets and smears were found throughout the upstairs apartment.

A third report came from Ken Gunderson, at the same house but in the basement apartment. Gunderson reported that someone entered his apartment and stole several pieces of clothing. More blood droplets and smears were found in the area.

A fourth report came from Blain Foreman, at 501 First Ave. S.E., who told authorities that someone had entered his pickup and broke the gear shift lever. Foreman said he was missing a pair of gloves and a dog leash from his vehicle.

"We think he was actually roaming around in people's apartments while they were sleeping," Dekkenga said.

Police arrested Curiel at a relative's house where he was staying. The relative cooperated with the police.

Curiel was first transported him to Floyd Valley Hospital where the severe laceration on his wrist was stitched shut. Curiel was then taken to the Plymouth County Jail where he was charged with three felony charges of burglary in the second degree. Those charges allege that Curiel committed burglaries in an occupied structure with the possibility of someone getting hurt.

Curiel also faces one charge of burglary in the third degree to a vehicle, one charge of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and four counts of theft in the fifth degree, all misdemeanors.

Curiel is being held at the Plymouth County Jail on a $50,000 bond.