Hunter
03/28/22
An area transient was taken into custody Sunday night after allegedly going on a damage spree at three Iowa City businesses.
Police say the incidents occurred between 8:44 and 8:54 pm, starting at the Walgreens location on Muscatine Avenue. 33-year-old Rakeem Eberhart walked into the store, emptied items off a shelf across the counter, and broke the access door to get behind the counter. He reportedly also threw a 12-pack of Coca-Cola at a victim, causing a bump to her head.
Eberhart then went to the Kum and Go across the street and allegedly broke a bottle of wine, dumped a display rack, a newspaper rack, and two sunglasses racks. One of the sunglasses racks sustained a crack.
Finally, Eberhart reportedly went to the nearby HyVee on 1st Avenue and allegedly threw a shopping cart through one of the front windows. He was located inside the store and arrested.
When interviewed, Eberhart admitted to causing the damage at the three locations. He was arrested on Criminal Mischief charges, and reportedly refused to stand up and walk to a squad car. Several officers had to carry Eberhart to the vehicle.
The man has been charged with three counts of Criminal Mischief, Assault causing Bodily Injury, and Interference with Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, Eberhart faces a sentence of over three years.