Not what we would call criminal masterminds!!!

Teens kidnap and rob man

www.kcrg.com
03/29/2010

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.

Ed. Note: So where do we start with Iowa's dumbest criminals? Could it be the garishly bedecked van? Could it be that van was registered to the father of one of the accused? You know, you figure if they were going to roll the poor kid for his money, the least they could have done was taken him to the aforementioned club.