Man threatens to kill police, tries to take officer’s gun

CEDAR RAPIDS – Police said a Clinton man who was caught shoplifting threatened to kill police and then tried to grab an officer's gun.

Jaron M. Collins, 20, was arrested around 4:40 p.m. Sunday when police confronted him in the bathroom of Hy-Vee, 1556 First Ave. NE. He was allegedly trying to conceal and steal a fifth of black velvet whiskey, valued at $10.50, according to the police report.

The complaint charging Collins with fifth-degree theft said he hid the bottle in his pants and broke off its security seal in the store's bathroom.

Collins became irate and threatened to kill Hy-Vee staff when he was confronted. He was handcuffed and put into a police car, despite trying to pull away.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Collins moved his handcuffs so that his hands were in front. When the officer got him back out of the patrol car, Collins again fought with officers and tried to take the officer's gun from him.

The officer was able to prevent it, and got Collins in handcuffs again before taking him to the Linn County Jail.

Charged with first-degree harassment, fifth-degree theft, and interference with official acts, Collins remains in the Linn County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail.