Following the investigation into the Dec. 12, 2022, armed robbery near West Benton Street and Oaknoll Court, Iowa City Police have identified Dewayne K. Corely-Jones, 20, as a suspect in the case. Corely-Jones was captured in Illinois last week and upon his return to Iowa will face the following charges:
First-degree robbery
First-degree theft
Going armed with intent
Investigation into the Coralville incident is ongoing by the Coralville Police Department. Corely-Jones is currently in the custody of the Peoria County, Ill. Sheriff's Office. No other information is available at this time.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Original press release from Dec. 12, 2022:
At approximately 12:35 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, Iowa City Police responded to an armed robbery in the area of West Benton Street and Oaknoll Court. The victim reported she had been robbed at knifepoint and her vehicle had been stolen.
A description of a person of interest in the robbery and circumstances of the incident were similar to an armed robbery and kidnapping reported Monday morning to the Coralville Police Department.
The community is asked to exercise caution, particularly when entering and exiting their vehicles. Whenever possible, park in public and well-lit places, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid distractions such as cell phones.
If you encounter the person of interest pictured above, please do not approach them and call 911 immediately.
How you can help:
This incident is being actively investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and we are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-5275. In addition, anyone in that area with security cameras is asked to review their recordings and contact the Iowa City Police Department with any potential footage or information about this incident.
Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information about this incident that leads to an arrest. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted via the P3 Tips app, online at iccrimestoppers.org, or by phone at 319-358-TIPS (8477). All tips and calls are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed. Individuals providing information are not required to reveal their identity to collect a reward.
