Hunter
01/19/23
An Iowa City man who has multiple theft convictions and was charged Sunday after chasing a man while brandishing toy firearms was arrested again Tuesday after allegedly stealing a bike cargo bag.
Police say that 30-year-old Willie Collins of South Johnson Street took possession of the bag, attached to a bike docked in a rack outside the Iowa City Public Library, just before 3:40 pm. Collins left the scene and was contacted by officers, who showed him pictures of him taking the bag. He reportedly admitted to being the individual in the pictures and to taking the bag.
Collins agreed to return the stolen items, valued just over $500, to officers.
He reportedly apologized several times for taking the items, and was told he was under arrest. Collins then allegedly resisted arrest by trying to move away from police and locking his arms while officers attempted to handcuff him.
Sunday afternoon, Collins reportedly chased a man while displaying what later was determined to be a toy replica and pellet gun. He was apprehended, and officers found the pellet gun under a nearby vehicle. The toy gun was found on his person, along with small ziplock bags containing marijuana and methamphetamine.
Collins was charged Sunday with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, assault, and prohibited carrying of toy guns. For Tuesday’s incident, he was charged with 3rd degree theft and Interference with Official Acts. Combined, Collins could be sentenced to up to 51 months in jail.