Idaho Falls man arrested for crime spree

Jere A. Alford, 31, of Idaho Falls is being held in the Bonneville County Jail on a variety of charges after two armed robberies were reported.

Idaho Falls Police were called to the Fiesta Ole Restaurant on South Skyline Drive for a burglar alarm at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. Officers found someone had tried to break into an exterior door.

At the same time, police were called to the Maverik Country Store on West Broadway and Bellin Road on report of an armed robbery. A man with a plastic bag over his head made off with some alcohol.

A short time later, a second armed robbery was reported at the Common Cents Store on 17th and Holmes Ave. A man with large amounts of yellow caution tape wrapped around his head entered the store with a crow bar and demanded money. The suspect ran away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Officers put together a description of a suspect including his clothing and items used in the robbery, along with security footage from the businesses.

A Bonneville County Deputy, on patrol in Ammon, spotted the vehicle in the vicinity of 17th Street and Woodruff. Alford’s clothing matched information obtained in the robberies and attempted burglary.

Idaho Falls Police recovered items that were taken or used in all three incidents.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Alford showed signs of alcohol use and impairment. He was arrested for Driving Under the Influence on the scene. He was taken to the Bonneville County Jail where he was tested and indicated a Blood Alcohol Content of .17 and .18.

Alford was booked for misdemeanor open container of alcohol and felonies for DUI. It was his third offense within 10 years. He was also charged with attempted burglary and two counts of robbery.

Investigation is continuing.