Arrest made in Thursday afternoon bank robbery

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Police Department is giving a hat tip to citizens who provide officers with information which led to the arrest of a bank robbery suspect.

According to a news release from the city announcing the arrest of 44-year-old Tony A. Spies, police 'relied heavily' on the public's assistance following the Thursday afternoon bank robbery.

'Great community cooperation with this one,' said Greg Buelow, the city's public safety spokesman.

Police responded to U.S. Bank, 129 16th Ave. SW, around 4:14 p.m. for a report of a bank robbery. Responding officers learned the suspect, believed to be Spies, entered the bank, displayed a handgun and demanded cash. Spies then left the bank on foot.

No injuries were reported during the robbery.

Police said their investigation and witness information led them to Spies, who resides at 807 Second Ave. SW in Cedar Rapids. Spies was arrested without incident at 4420 Bowling St. SW shortly before 9:30 p.m.

Spies now faces charges of first-degree robbery, a Class B felony, and second-degree theft, a Class D felony. If convicted on both offenses, Spies could face up to 30 years in prison. However, Spies' case could also be moved to the federal court system, which has stricter sentences.

According to online court records, Spies has a lengthy criminal history in Iowa. He pleaded guilty in Linn County to first-degree theft in February 2014 and was given a 10-year suspended prison sentence and ordered to a residential facility.

Thursday's robbery marked the ninth in the city this year and the third time that branch of U.S. Bank has been robbed. Every bank robbery has resulted in an arrest this year, Buelow said.

Police said additional information about the bank robbery might exist and the public is encouraged to continue to provide the police department with information. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Linn County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-CS-CRIME or text 5227 and a tip to 274637.