Man arrested after attempted armed robbery in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A 35-year-old man was arrested Monday after an attempt to rob someone at gunpoint in the parking lot of a southeast Cedar Rapids convenience store.

According to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, officers were called just before 11 p.m. to Hawkeye Convenience Store at 1581 First Ave. SE for reports of a person with a shotgun.

When they arrived, officers spoke with a 27-year-old man who reported that a man — who police said was later identified as Dante Leavy Martin — approached him and asked for drugs. When the 27-year-old denied having or being involved in drugs, police said, Martin walked over to a Dodge Avenger that was parked nearby and returned with what appeared to be a sawed-off shotgun.

Police said Martin demanded the 27-year-old get out of his vehicle. The man, who told police that he thought he was going to be robbed, got out and ran into the store, police said.

Martin followed the victim into the store, police said. The criminal complaint states Martin threatened people inside the store, ordering them to not call the police, before walking outside and returning to the Dodge Avenger. He drove it to the back of the store and fled on foot, police said.

The police department said officers searched the area and located Martin on the roof of a restaurant at 1616 First Ave. NE.

When Martin was confronted by officers, police said, he jumped from the roof and was apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit.

He was transported to Mercy Medical Center for injuries suffered from jumping off the roof.

Police determined the Dodge Avenger had been reported stolen from Waterloo.

Martin faces two counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and one count each of going armed with intent, assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and interference with official acts.

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