ICPD investigating assault rifle robbery, seek public’s help

IOWA CITY — A home invasion involving an assault rifle is under investigation in Iowa City, and police are asking for the public's help.

Iowa City police responded to 210 N. Governor St. at 11:45 p.m. April 3 for a report of a robbery. The victims told police they heard a loud noise in the hallway and when they opened their door, a man with an assault rifle forced his way into the residence.

Police said the armed man held the victims at gunpoint while he stole cash and other property. He then fled the residence.

The man was described as a black male, 18-26 years old, 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 180 to 190 pounds and wearing 'brownish or greenish' khaki pants, a dark-colored jacket or sweat shirt and a pink bandanna covering his face.

Police said they don't know whether the weapon displayed during the robbery was real or fake. The victims were not injured during the incident, police said.

Sgt. Paul Batcheller said the investigations unit has been actively investigating the case and are now requesting the public's help for information on this or any similar cases to 'see if anything pops.'

'They're broadening the spectrum, so to speak,' he said.

Anyone with information on this or any similar incident is asked to contact the Iowa City Police Department or Iowa City Area CrimeStoppers. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of this suspect.