Transient accused of mugging Iowa City Transit passenger

Lang
11/9/24

A transient is accused of mugging an Iowa City Transit passenger.

According to arrest records, 42-year-old Derrill Jones was on a bus just before 5:30 Halloween night when he continuously asked a fellow passenger for money. Jones and the other subject exited the bus at the same time near the intersection of Keokuk Street and Southgate Avenue. Once off the bus, Jones reportedly told the other man to give him money or “something is going to happen”. Jones then allegedly started trying to punch the man multiple times, but missed.

Police say Jones then pushed the other man to the ground and tried to wrestle his wallet out of his hands. Jones eventually gained control and fled the scene. The victim suffered three small cuts on his hand.

Police found Jones and arrested him just before 5:00 Friday night while he was walking outside CVS Pharmacy on Muscatine Avenue. He allegedly had a small baggie of marijuana and a joint on his person.

Jones…who has previous drug convictions from Johnson and Henry Counties…is now charged with 2nd Degree Robbery and Possession of Marijuana – 3rd or Subsequent Offense. If convicted on both counts, he faces a maximum of 12 years in prison.