Iowa City man threatens to shoot individual for cellphone

Kayli Reese, Managing News Editor

An Iowa City man reportedly threatened to shoot an individual after stealing that person’s cellphone.

Anthony Hughes, 18, 806 Benton Drive, was charged Aug. 22 with dominion/control of a firearm by a felon, extortion, carrying weapons, first-degree harassment, third-degree theft, and possession of marijuana.

According to the arrest affidavit, Hughes was suspected of stealing a cellphone, a black iPhone X valued at $1,000, from a vehicle. A friend of the phone’s owner Snapchatted Hughes to arrange a time to have the phone returned.

Hughes first said he’d have to be paid to return the phone, the affidavit said, but then he gave the phone back.

Then, Hughes approached the friend and the phone’s owner and showed them a pistol tucked into the waistband of his pants, the affidavit said. He told the pair he’d shoot them if they came around again.

When arrested on Aug. 22, the affidavit said, Hughes was found with marijuana.

Hughes had been previously arrested for carrying weapons.

The phone’s owner has requested a no-contact order, the affidavit said.

Dominion/control of a firearm by a felon and extortion are Class-D felonies.