Cedar Rapids man accused of seriously injuring another man in downtown slashing

CASE UPDATE: On a trial information document dated Jan. 6, 2022, Roberts’ charge was changed to assault causing bodily injury, a serious misdemeanor, and on Feb. 2, 2022, he pleaded guilty to that charge.

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man is accused of slashing and seriously injuring another man in downtown Cedar Rapids this summer.

Overtis Roberts Jr., 44, is charged with willful injury causing serious injury, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor.

A criminal complaint states Roberts was in the 200 block of Third Street SE on Aug. 18 when he slashed another man with an unspecified sharp instrument, causing long and deep lacerations to the man's left arm and hip. The man’s injuries required surgery.

Police said the victim identified Roberts as the assailant, and an independent witness provided a statement to investigators.

An arrest warrant was issued on Nov. 8, and Cedar Rapids police arrested him Monday. He is being held on $15,000 cash or surety bond at the Linn County Jail.