Hunter
02/26/24
An Iowa City man was arrested over the weekend for his alleged involvement in a robbery at a Coralville convenience store after police were called to his residence on reports of a fight.
According to police, 25-year-old Aaron Flores of Lakeside Drive was arrested just before 10pm Saturday after providing a false name to officers. A subsequent search allegedly turned up 22 counterfeit opiate tablets, commonly known to contain fentanyl.
Flores was already wanted for his alleged involvement in a robbery at the Holiday Road Kum & Go the morning of February 19th. He allegedly was captured on surveillance video entering the store with two other males. The footage reportedly shows the three approaching a female victim.
The males then allegedly shoved her into the bathroom, and forcibly took $200 in cash from her. Flores is accused of putting his hand over her mouth so she wouldn’t scream. The woman told police that the males “jumped” her, striking her in the stomach area before taking the money and leaving the scene.
A warrant was issued for Flores’ arrest on a 2nd degree Robbery charge. He now faces additional charges of a Class C Controlled Substance violation, Failure to Affix Drug Stamp, and Providing False Identification.
If convicted on all counts against him, Flores could be sentenced to up to over 25 years in prison.
Flores is the second suspect arrested for the convenience store robbery. He joins 20-year-old Precieux Nzoni of Broadway Street, who allegedly assisted in the altercation shortly after being released on his own recognizance on drug and theft charges. The victim reportedly identified Nzoni as one of the assailants.