Police arrest two in alleged staged robbery at Iowa City Kum & Go

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - Police say they arrested two people who allegedly staged a robbery at an Iowa City Kum & Go on Tuesday.

Police responded to the Kum & Go at 955 Mormon Trek Boulevard early Tuesday morning for a report of a robbery. Police said witnesses told them the suspect threatened to shoot the store clerk, but did not display a firearm.

A criminal complaint says the suspect fled the scene with $235. Iowa City police put out a request for help identifying the suspect later that morning.

As part of the investigation, police said they pulled over a vehicle at around 12:35 p.m. on Wednesday.

Investigators said Clarence L. Jackson, 28, of North Liberty, and Michael E. Preslicka, 29, of Iowa City were inside the vehicle. Officers said Preslicka was the Kum & Go employee who had reported being robbed on Tuesday. Police arrested both men, and said they believe the two staged the robbery.

Jackson faces charges of fifth degree theft, false report of an indictable offense to a public entity, and possession of a controlled substance.

Preslicka faces charges of fifth degree theft, false report of an indictable offense to a public entity, and false report - 911 call.

A criminal complaint says Preslicka has several previous arrests, including three felonies from this year that include second degree theft in January, forgery and third degree theft in May, and drug charges in July.

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