Crime & Safety

Iowa City Police: Burglar Arrested After He Was Detained by Resident, Neighbors

The Iowa City Police said they have arrested a man who was caught in the middle of a burglary.


A man is facing serious burglary and assault charges after he was allegedly caught in the act by a resident on Westgate Street this morning.

According to an Iowa City Police media release, at 10:03 a.m. police officers were called to 605 Westgate St. for a fight in progress. While on the way, officers were informed that it was actually a burglary in process. When they arrived they found a man, Robert Denail Jones, 36, address unknown, on the ground being restrained by several men.

In their subsequent investigation, the resident at the above address told police that he had arrived home to find the back door to his garage open. When he went into a house he discovered a man standing in his kitchen with a backpack on. When the man, allegedly identified as Jones, attempted to flee, the homeowner grabbed him in an attempt to keep him there until police arrived.

The struggled ended up with both men in the garage, and nearby neighbors hearing the ruckus came to the aide of their neighbor to subdue Jones until officers arrived.

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The homeowner was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital, where he was treated for a non-life threatening facial injury. Jones was transported via ambulance to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for a health evaluation.

Jones has been charged with first-degree burglary a Class C Felony;
assault causing serious injury while commiting a felony, also a Class C Felony; and possession of burglar's tools, an Aggravated Misdemeanor

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