Police in Iowa City broke up a robbery of a convenience store last night. Police spokesperson Sergeant Troy Kelsay says two officers with the department’s Street Crimes Action Team were following a suspicious vehicle that did not have working tail lights. As the officers called for a patrol unit, the suspect vehicle stopped at a convenience store.
Officer Andy Rich arrived on the scene and noticed two men from the car, one carrying a large knife, were robbing the store. Kelsay says Rich approached the men as they were leaving the store. “He confronted them at gunpoint and ordered them to stop and get down on the ground,” Kelsay said.
“One (suspect) complied, while the other ended up fleeing and was apprehended by the SCAT officers and one of our K-9 units.” An investigation found the suspects threatened to cut and shoot the convenience store clerk. Kelsay says no gun was displayed during the robbery, but officers did recover a knife and a bag of cash. No one was injured.
The suspects arrested are identified as 29-year-old Ahkinea Cox and 26-year-old Frederick Reid. Both are charged with first degree robbery. Cox is also charged with drunk driving and interference with official acts. Reid is also charged with possession of cocaine.