Two juveniles charged with three Cedar Rapids robberies

CEDAR RAPIDS - Police say two juveniles are in custody in connection with three robberies over a 24-hour period.

Officers responded to Flowerama, 3135 First Avenue SE, around 12:40 p.m. Sunday, according to a release from the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The store clerk said two people entered the business, showed what was believed to be a handgun, and demanded cash before leaving on foot. With the help of a K-9 unit from the Marion Police Department, law enforcement tracked two boys - Jacob Kimpton, 15, and Tarius Robinson, 14 - and arrested them around 1 p.m. in the 200 block of 35th Street Drive SE.

Investigators later determined Kimpton and Robinson were also involved in a robbery at Hawkeye Convenience Store, 250 16th Avenue SW around 8:37 p.m. Saturday and a third robbery at Little Caesars Pizza, 3404 Mount Vernon Road SE, just after noon Sunday. Police said in the previous incidents the suspects also displayed what was believed to be a handgun and demanded money.

Each suspect faces three counts of first-degree robbery, a Class B felony. Robinson is also charged with possession of a controlled substance and interference with official acts.

The juveniles are identified because they are charged with felonies. However, mug shots of the two are not available from officials because they are minors.