A Jefferson City man is headed to prison after admitting to a string of car break-ins including one involving an off-duty police officer’s vehicle.
Officials say 31-year-old Andrew Zemke pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree burglary and one count of first-degree property damage.
Investigators say last October, Zemke broke into several cars, stealing small items like coins and lottery tickets.
One of those vehicles belonged to a Jefferson City police officer, who reported an attempted break-in on a locked AR-15-style rifle.
Later that same day, officers arrested Zemke in the Walmart parking lot on West Stadium Boulevard after witnesses saw him trying to open more car doors.
Zemke was sentenced to seven years in prison, with credit for time served.