Iowa City man returned to crime scene to apply for job, police say

IOWA CITY - An Iowa City man was arrested after returning to the scene of a robbery to fill out a job application.

According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, around 3 a.m. May 21, a man was standing in line at Falbo Bros. Pizzeria, 457 S. Gilbert St. Police said the man pulled about $1,800 cash from his pocket and paid for his food. When he put the cash back in his pocket, Cedric D. Johnson, 22, allegedly reached into the man's pocket in an attempt to steal the cash.

Police said the man grabbed Johnson's arm and the two men fought over the cash. The money scattered on the ground and people with Johnson tried to pick up what they could from the floor, police said.

Falbo Bros. employees took the combatants outside and the man told Johnson and the people with him that he would be calling the police. Police said the man was then knocked out by Johnson or one of his associates, who then fled on foot.

Police said a witness to the incident recognized Johnson, but did not know his name. He was finally identified when he returned to Falbo Bros. at a later time and asked to fill out a job application.

Johnson fit the suspect descriptions provided by the man with the money and witnesses, and the man also identified Johnson in a photo lineup, police said. Authorities said Johnson admitted to being in a fight at Falbo Bros., but denied taking the money or hitting the man, police said.

'He blamed the altercation on the victim, but said he didn't remember much of anything that occurred,” the complaint states.

Police said the man suffered a head injury and required physical therapy after the incident.

Johnson faces one count of second-degree robbery, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.