A local man has been accused of committing a robbery.

Darron Rodgers, 42, was charged Sept. 27 with first-degree robbery.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, Rodgers approached the victim’s car in the Sycamore Mall parking lot. He tapped on the window with a small pocket knife.

The victim rolled down his car window slightly. Rodgers asked him to roll it down all the way, and he did.

Rodgers demanded the victim give him his money, which amounted to about $13. While the robbery was occurring, the victim got a phone call from a friend, and Rodgers demanded he not answer the phone.

Rodgers told the victim he needed the money for gas to go visit his wife in Davenport. He also said he worked at the VA hospital in Iowa City.

On Oct. 9 the victim viewed a photo lineup and identified Rodgers as the defendant with 99 percent certainty.

First-degree robbery is a Class-B felony.

— by Megan Sanchez