Area transient accused of using toy gun to intimidate person

Hunter
09/30/22

An area transient was arrested at the Waterfront Drive HyVee Wednesday after stealing items from in front of the store.

The reporting party called in a suspicious male a little before 12:30 am and said that the man told him to put his hands behind his back. The man, identified as 30 year-old Willie Collins, reportedly walked away but returned a short time later. He then attempted to try to steal items from the reporting party’s vehicle.

Police made contact with Collins behind the store. He allegedly had a flower pot and a pumpkin in his possession that he had taken from the front of the store. Collins admitted to stealing the item, and reportedly had a toy handgun on him.

Collins has been charged with two misdemeanors; carrying a prohibited toy gun and 5th degree theft. He could be sentenced to up to 60 days in jail if convicted. A case management conference is scheduled for Monday.