Cedar Rapids man charged in robbery

Police arrested a Cedar Rapids man Thursday for his alleged involvement in a robbery last month.

Elijah C. Newman, 20, is charged with first-degree robbery. Police believe he had a role in robbing 19-year-old Riley O'Dean, of Cedar Rapids on Dec. 29.

O'Dean told police he was walking along First Avenue East near 29th Street around 8:30 p.m. when a car pulled up and two men got out. He said the men pulled him into the car, assaulted him and took some of his cash.

He also was pistol whipped and needed stitches to close a gash above his left eye, police said.

O'Dean said assault and robbery took place in the car before he was pushed out on Highway 100 east of First Avenue East.

Sgt. Joe Clark said the suspects were acquaintances of O'Dean's. Clark said at least two men were involved, and the investigation is continuing.

"This isn't just a completely random deal," Clark said.

Newman is being held in the Linn County Jail in lieu of a $20,000 cash bond.