Lang
8/20/23
A reported robbery attempt at an Iowa City motel has led to the arrest of a South Carolina man.
Iowa City Police were called to the Travelodge on North Dodge Street just after 9:30 Saturday night. The alleged victim reported that 19-year-old Justin Pittman of Columbia, South Carolina had approached her in the parking lot and demanded her car keys. He reportedly claimed to be armed with a gun.
The woman says she refused and started walking away. Police say Pittman later told them he approached the woman and waited until the parking lot was empty, but he denied trying to rob the woman.
When officers tried to make contact with Pittman, he allegedly ran away. Pittman was eventually captured, but not before one officer suffered an injury that will require surgery.
Police say Pittman initially gave them a fake name, and that a marijuana gummy was found on his person after his arrest.
Pittman is charged with 2nd Degree Robbery, 1st Degree Harassment, Interference With Official Acts Causing Bodily Injury, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Providing False Identity Information. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over 14 years in prison.