Lang
5/10/23
A Coralville man accused of threatening downtown Iowa City bank employees with a knife has reached a plea deal.
Online records show 65-year-old Mark Miller of 9th Street entered a guilty plea last week. Terms of the plea deal have not been released.
Staff at U.S. Bank on East Washington Street told police Miller had been trespassed from the business on multiple previous occasions. According to arrest records, Miller entered the bank last December and harassed an employee while asking for money. The staffer told Miller to leave, but he refused.
Police say when the employee tried calling the police, Miller slapped the phone out of their hand. Miller then reportedly pulled out a pocket knife, opened the blade and held it up high. U.S. Bank employees were eventually able to coax Miller out of the business.
Miller allegedly resisted being taken into custody. He was charged with Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, 3rd Degree Harassment, Obstruction of Emergency Communications and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, he would have faced a maximum of 27 months in jail.
A sentencing date has not yet been set.