Lang
8/29/20
Iowa City Police say a transient robbed a liquor store, then, instead of fleeing, ran to the Ped Mall to grab women’s buttocks.
31-year-old Rakeem Eberhart was booked into the Johnson County Jail just after 1am Saturday. According to arrest records, Eberhart entered Sauce on the Ped Mall just before 11:30 Monday night, as staff was preparing to close. While a staff member was counting money on the counter, Eberthart allegedly tried to reach behind the counter and grab the cash, committing a simple assault in the process. Police say he then knocked over several store displays, grabbed a bottle of liquor, and ran out to the Ped Mall.
But instead of fleeing the scene, police say Eberthart grabbed the buttocks of three different women. Eberthart allegedly punched one of the women in the face when she confronted him and told him to stop, knocking her to the ground. She was taken to a local hospital for pain on the left side of her face.
Police say Eberthart squared up to attack other witnesses, but they tackled him to the ground and held him for police.
Eberthart is accused of struggling and fighting against the arresting officers, who had to expose him to OC spray.
Eberhart is charged with 2nd Degree Robbery, Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Interference With Official Acts, Disorderly Conduct and two counts of Assault. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of over 11 years in prison.