Cedar Rapids man accused of strong-armed robbery near University of Iowa campus

IOWA CITY — A 22-year-old Cedar Rapids man is facing felony robbery and trafficking of stolen weapons charges after Iowa City police say he robbed someone at a Kum & Go near the University of Iowa campus in the early hours of Oct. 3.

Officers at 2:15 a.m. that Sunday took a report of a strong-armed robbery from a victim, who said two men assaulted them and took their pistol before fleeing, according to a police report.

The victim knew one of the assailants “from multiple prior interactions,” according to police, who reviewed surveillance video and confirmed the victim’s allegations.

Detectives tracked down and interviewed Lewis R.J. Robinson, who admitted to being on scene for the incident, according to police.

“The defendant’s actions in this incident helped facilitate the acquisition or transfer of a stolen firearm that detectives determined was purchased by the victim,” according to an arrest report.

Robinson was booked into the Johnson County Jail on Oct. 29. He faces a charge of second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, and trafficking in stolen weapons, a Class D felony. A $20,000 surety bond was posted.

Robinson was arrested for a first drunken driving offense in January and received one year of probation.

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