Iowa City man charged after alleged armed robbery in downtown Iowa City

IOWA CITY, Iowa — An Iowa City man is facing a felony theft charge after police say he was involved in an armed robbery in downtown Iowa City earlier this year.

According to the criminal complaint, 20-year-old Boubacar Dioubate is charged with second-degree theft.

Police say the robbery happened around 12:49 a.m. on April 18 in the 100 block of South Clinton Street.

Court documents allege the victim was approached by three suspects who threatened to stab and shoot him. Investigators say one of the suspects held a knife while demanding the victim’s cellphone.

The victim reported that his $500 cellphone, a $1,000 necklace and $200 in cash were stolen, for a total value of about $1,700.

According to the complaint, security cameras captured the incident. Investigators say the footage shows Dioubate assaulting the victim, repeatedly grabbing the victim’s phone and taking the victim’s necklace.

Police also say the stolen cellphone was tracked to Dioubate’s Iowa City address a few hours after the robbery.

Dioubate was arrested, and the charge was filed in Johnson County District Court. The case remains pending.