Lawrence police arrested two men Wednesday night as suspects in two car-wash burglaries, Sgt. Trent McKinley said.

The first burglary occurred about 8:40 p.m. at 2828 Iowa as two suspects broke glass out of a rear door to access a building, causing about $1,000 in damage.

A witness observed the suspects and provided a description of them and their vehicle to police.

McKinley said while officers were investigating the first burglary, they responded to an alarm at another car wash, 3560 W. Sixth St., and observed the same vehicle described on Iowa at the nearby Kwik Shop, 3440 W. Sixth St.

Officers later arrested the two Lawrence men in the vehicle, ages 19 and 23, on charges of theft, two counts of burglary and two counts of criminal damage each related to both burglaries.

McKinley said it appeared the suspects were unsuccessful in accessing cash boxes at the car washes, although they were suspected of using an axe in both cases to damage the boxes. According to Douglas County Jail records, both suspects were released Thursday morning after they posted bond and were given notices to appear in court June 7.

Prosecutors could file formal charges before then. The Journal-World generally does not identify suspects unless they are charged.