Cedar Rapids robbery suspect held on $1 million bail

FARGO, N.D. - Bail has been set at $1 million for a Cedar Rapids man accused in last week's robbery and police-involved shooting at a downtown Fargo motel.

Eric Lee Webb appeared conscious but lethargic at an initial appearance hearing Monday conducted by Cass County District Court officers at his bedside at Sanford Medical Center.

Webb, 30, gave monosyllabic answers and occasional nods of the head to Judge Tom Olson as Olson read him his rights and the formal charges.

Webb had been transported Thursday to Sanford after an exchange of gunfire with Fargo police as he fled the downtown Howard Johnson's after, authorities said, he held up the front desk at gunpoint.

Police said Webb shot a wall near the reception desk after he demanded money and then shot at police when they confronted him at a nearby service station.

A Fargo police officer, Matt Niemeyer, fired two rounds at Webb before the accused robber was arrested.

Webb is charged with Class A felony robbery and Class C possession of a firearm by a felon.

In addition to setting bail, Olson appointed Webb a public defender. His next court appearance is set for July 8.