Auto suspect charged

A 19-year-old Lawrence man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a series of 14 car break-ins in the city, police said.

Ricky Allen Davis Jr. was charged Wednesday with seven counts of felony vehicle burglary and four counts of misdemeanor theft in Douglas County District Court. A district attorney spokeswoman said more charges may be filed against him.

Lawrence police said Davis burglarized cars near Clinton Parkway and Iowa Street. Tools, loose change and a carton of cigarettes are among the items prosecutors accuse Davis of stealing, according to a court document.

While responding to a report of a man looking into car windows, officers found the suspect walking with a duffel bag about 7 a.m. Tuesday along Sagebrush and Lawrence Avenue, police said. As an officer was talking to Davis, someone called 911 and reported a theft from a nearby vehicle.

“Officers found items matching the items reported stolen in the man’s duffel bag,” said Kim Murphree, a police spokeswoman.

Davis’ next court appearance is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday.