Austin man appears on Apollo burglary charge

(ABC 6 News) – An Austin man appeared in Mower County Court Monday on a single charge of 1st-degree burglary–possession of a dangerous weapon.

Chaun Lavar Johnson II, 24, was taken into custody Sunday, Feb. 11, according to court documents.

According to court documents, Austin police responded to the Apollo #3 gas station on Oakland Avenue West at about 2:04 a.m. Jan. 27.

Court documents allege that someone had kicked the bottom of the door’s plexiglass so that it curved into the store, and spilled nicotine products all over the floor behind the counter.

Police reported finding a 3-to-4-inch kitchen knife near the base of the door.

According to court documents, surveillance footage showed a man kicking in the bottom of the door, crawling through the opening at the bottom of the door, then putting vape pens into a backpack.

On his way out, the man allegedly dropped the knife from his coat pocket.

Court documents allege that the man had a visible disability to his left hand/wrist.

At about 1:13 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, Austin PD allegedly Johnson on a bicycle and noted that he matched the description of the Apollo burglary suspect, was wearing a coat matching the one seen on surveillance video, and was not using the left-hand grip of the bike.

He was taken into custody and allegedly admitted to stealing vapes, which he then sold.

Johnson is accused of stealing 47 vape pens, totaling $986.53.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 26.