The Cedar Rapids Police Department said officers were called at approximately 6:39 PM to a convenience store in the 4800 block of Johnson Avenue NW after a robbery was reported.
According to police, 21-year-old Russell Formanek of Cedar Rapids displayed what the victim believed was a firearm and demanded cash from the register. Police said Formanek was given cash and fled the scene.
Officers began searching the area and quickly located Formanek nearby, according to the department. Police said he was found in possession of evidence described by the victim.
Authorities said Formanek (pictured at top) admitted to using a replica firearm during the robbery.
Formanek was charged with first-degree robbery and taken to the Linn County Correctional Center.
First-degree robbery is one of Iowa’s most serious robbery charges and is classified as a felony. The charge can apply when a person is accused of committing a robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, while displaying what appears to be a dangerous weapon, or while inflicting or attempting to inflict serious injury.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation. Formanek is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.