Iowa City bank robbery suspect now faces federal charge

The suspect in an Iowa City armed robbery last week who is accused of pointing a loaded gun in the faces of  bank employees, leading officers on an hourlong chase and forcing eight schools into lockdown now faces a federal charge of committing bank robbery using a firearm.

U.S. marshals Tuesday morning picked up Eric Martin, 34, of Davenport, from the Johnson County Jail, where he was being held in lieu of a $1 million cash-only bond on suspicion of first-degree robbery, possession of a firearm as a felon, interference with official acts with a weapon, carrying weapons and eluding.

The federal bank robbery with a firearm charge was filed against Martin on Monday, according to court documents. The affidavit filed in support of the charge describes allegations that Martin about 9:30 a.m. April 23 entered Hills Bank and Trust Co., 1401 S. Gilbert St., which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and demanded money from the tellers.

The affidavit accuses Martin of fleeing the bank, getting on a motorcycle and leading officers on a reckless chase that ended with a collision and a foot pursuit.

According to the federal affidavit, at the time of Martin's arrest, he was in possession of a backpack containing a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun and $23,295 in cash.

“Several bait bills from the bank robbery were identified in Martin's book bag,” according to the affidavit.

According to Iowa City police, Martin is accused of trying to pull his loaded handgun on officers as they chased him on foot. Two Iowa City police officers suffered minor injuries in the pursuit, according to the department.

Martin has a lengthy criminal history in Iowa, starting with his first felony conviction in June 1997. He previously has been sentenced to prison – one 15-year sentence came after Martin was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy.

Detention and preliminary hearings on Martin's new federal charge are scheduled for 2 p.m. today.