Hunter
06/21/21
Iowa City police have released more details in their arrest of a suspected armed robber Saturday night.
According to arrest reports, 42-year-old Kenneth Hawkins Jr. was observed at the Cactus Mexican Restaurant on South Gilbert Street by multiple witnesses at 10:30pm. He was asking several diners for money, and when they all refused, Hawkins allegedly pulled out a black pocket knife with the blade fully extended. He then reportedly stated, “Somebody is going to get shanked.”
One of the diners immediately became afraid for his welfare and his fellow diners, and told Hawkins that he would get him money out of the ATM at the Kum &Go across the street.
Police were called to the store about Hawkins being armed with the knife, and he was found with the weapon and $20 that the diner got for him out of the ATM.
When the victim was asked about the incident, he told officers “I gave him the money because $20 is not worth my life.”
Hawkins was charged with 1st degree Robbery, a Class B felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years if convicted.