Police in Dubuque have arrested seven people in a string of robberies and assaults dating back to early May. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Scott Baxter says the suspects were targeting people who were leaving bars late at night.
“Often times the victims of these robberies or assaults were intoxicated,” Baxter said. All of the crimes were reported in eastern and northeast Dubuque. The suspects include six juveniles. The one adult facing charges is identified as 19-year-old Deandre Austin of Dubuque. Baxter says the seven suspects face a total of 20 charges in connection with 18 separate incidents.
“While it was kind of opportunistic in nature, they also knew what they were looking for in terms of victims. They wanted someone who was alone, possibly leaving a bar…at night,” Baxter said. “They seemed to have the type of victim and type of situation down.” Baxter says police continue to investigate and more charges will likely be filed.