Iowa City man reports being beaten, robbed

Police are investigating reports that an Iowa City man was beaten and robbed by a group of men Tuesday night.

The victim told police that he was walking in the alley behind his home in the 400 block of South Johnson Street around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was approached by five men. According to police reports, one of the men grabbed the victim by the shoulder and then punched him in the face.

The victim then fell to the ground and two of the men began kicking him in the head. As the men were kicking the victim, another member of the group went through the victim's pockets. After stealing the victim's cigarettes, the five men ran northbound out of the alley.

The five suspects are described as follows:

• A black male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, wearing a black t-shirt and shorts.
• A black male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a large afro hairstyle.
• A black male, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, 200 pounds, and wearing an oversized blue shirt.
• Two black males for whom further description isn't available.

The victim had no visible injuries, but complained of head pain. He did not require medical attention.

Iowa City Area CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of this suspect. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 358-TIPS (8477). All calls are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed. Individuals providing information do not have to reveal their identity to collect a reward.