A man was arrested in downtown Iowa City last weekend after police say he threatened the staff at Elray’s Live & Dive with a stolen gun.
Alex Bwayonga, 18, is facing felony charges of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, trafficking a stolen weapon used in a crime, and control of a firearm by a felon.
Bwayonga, of Rock Island, Ill., is also facing aggravated misdemeanor charges of using a dangerous weapon and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.
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Iowa City police were called to Elray’s, 211 Iowa Ave., just after midnight Sunday.
After getting kicked out of the bar, Bwayonga allegedly verbally threatened staff, pulled out a loaded gun and pointed it at bar staff, according to criminal complaints. A University of Iowa Hawk Alert that was sent to students reported that Bwayonga was wearing all black and a ski mask.
No shots were fired, according to the alert.
Bwayonga fled, but was located by officers. He denied being involved and carrying a gun, but officers allegedly found the gun in his waistband during a pat-down, police said in the complaint.
Bwayonga fought officers when they attempted to arrest him and “feigned a medical condition,” according to the complaint. Bwayonga refused to identify himself.
He received care at the scene and was evaluated at a hospital before his arrest, according to police.
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The gun was stolen out of Linn County, the complaint said.
Iowa City police could not provide additional information about the stolen gun — including where it was stolen from, how Bwayonga got the gun and when it was reported stolen — because it is part of the ongoing investigation or related to another agency.
Bwayonga had his initial appearance Monday.
He is being held in the Johnson County Jail on a $14,000 cash or surety bond. The alleged victim has filed a temporary no-contact order against Bwayonga.
Man arrested in I.C. after threatening bar staff with gun
Iowa City police were called to Elray’s Live and Dive in downtown Iowa City just after midnight on Sunday. Alex Bwayonga, 18, verbally threatened staff, pulled out a loaded gun and pointed it at bar staff, police said.
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