A Cedar Rapids man has been charged with first-degree robbery after allegedly wearing a red bandanna covering his face and brandishing what appeared to be a firearm during a convenience store robbery Saturday evening. Russell Formanek, 21, was charged on Monday with a Class B felony.
According to police, the incident occurred at Hawkeye Convenience Store at 4820 Johnson Ave. NW around 6:39 p.m. on Saturday. The suspect, later identified as Formanek, demanded all the money in the register from an employee while pointing what appeared to be a blue firearm at him. The employee handed over about $500 before the man left the store.
Police obtained surveillance video and were able to identify Formanek through his distinctive clothing, including red flip-flops and a black sweatshirt with a red bandanna covering his face. Officers later searched Formanek's residence and found evidence of the robbery, including the firearm and money hidden behind his pillow.
Formanek was ordered to appear in court on Monday, where he was charged with first-degree robbery. A judge set a $25,000 cash or surety bond pending his trial.