Lang
3/15/25
A shoplifting suspect who allegedly claimed to have a gun has been arrested after he was tasered by staff at the Waterfront Hy-Vee and by Iowa City Police.
Arrest records indicate 66-year-old Vernon Jones of Davenport was stopped by Hy-Vee security just before 9:00 Friday morning when he was reportedly caught shoplifting just over $20 worth of merchandise. Witnesses say Jones yelled at staff and made a motion indicating he had a gun before he punched a Hy-Vee security guard in the chin. Jones was hit with a taser by Hy-Vee staff before fleeing the scene.
Police caught up with Jones a short time later. He reportedly refused their commands to stop, claimed to have a firearm, then pointed his finger at them as if it were a gun. Jones allegedly tried to fight the officers and had to be tasered twice and pepper sprayed before being taken into custody. An open container of whiskey was found in his pocket.
Jones is charged with Aggravated Theft, Assault, Public Intoxication, Interference With Official Acts, and Open Container. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 27 months in jail.