Suspects in Adult Club Van Arrested After Armed Robbery Near Dairy Queen

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Mar 19, 2010 at 1:22 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 7:34 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Police arrested two men Friday in connection with an armed robbery that had occurred earlier in the afternoon.

Cedar Rapids police spokeswoman Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said that after responding to a robbery at 501 16th St. NE at around 1:15 p.m., officers were met by Justin McDaniel, 20, who said that he had been robbed at gunpoint.

McDaniel had told officers that he was forced into a black van with five or six males in their late teens. McDaniel said one of the late teens was armed with a sawed-off shotgun and robbed him of everything in his pockets and shoes.

Police said McDaniel was released from the van somewhere in the 500 block of Coe Road NE.

The suspect’s description of the black van, which features a scantily clad women paint job, helped officers quickly locate the vehicle and apprehend those inside.

Hamblin said that the victim identified Ethan Ayers, 18, unknown address, as the one with who had robbed him.

Hamblin said that Ayers already had outstanding warrants for first degree robbery and assault bodily injury, and that he will be charged with first degree robbery and possession of offensive weapons.

Police also arrested Tavish Shackford, 18, of West Des Moines, for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

Hamblin said that the van, which advertises “Big Earl’s Gold mine,” a strip-club in Des Moines, was driven by the son of the registered owner. A manager at Big Earl’s had no comment.

Ayers is being held at Linn County Jail on $50,000 cash only bail. Shackford is being held there on a $10,000 bail.

Police are still investigating the incident and say that more charges might be forthcoming.

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