Transient faces Iowa City robbery charge

IOWA CITY - A homeless man faces 25 years in prison for his role in a robbery.

Iowa City police said on Aug. 26 around 11 p.m., 18-year-old Robert E. Armstrong and two others forced their way into an apartment on South Lucas Street. Police said Armstrong and his accomplices assaulted one occupant, who suffered a cut and bruising.

All of the occupants were ordered to the ground and told to empty their pockets. Police said Armstrong and the others took several items, including an iPhone, cash and other possessions. They then fled the area, police said.

Armstrong was identified by the victims in a photo lineup. He was arrested and faces one charge of first-degree robbery, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.