CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man, Kristopher Gardner, 32, was arrested over the weekend in connection with a gas station robbery at gunpoint in Hiawatha that took place in June 2024.
Gardner faces charges including first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, and going armed with intent.
According to a criminal complaint, Gardner and an accomplice entered the Quick Mart located at 655 Robins Rd., Hiawatha, on June 3, 2024. An employee reported that the two men, one identified as Gardner, threatened him at gunpoint and demanded he open the cash register. Approximately $1,582 was stolen during the incident.
The suspects fled on foot toward an apartment building at 235 Pirie Dr., where they got into a car later identified by police as a Jeep Cherokee owned by Emily Edgeton. Edgeton allegedly drove the men to and from the robbery site.
Edgeton was arrested in February and charged with first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit a nonforcible felony. She later pleaded guilty to a lesser conspiracy charge and second-degree theft in July. Her sentencing is scheduled for October.
Police found text messages between Edgeton and Gardner indicating she had given him a ride and covered for him after being pulled over by law enforcement.
A warrant for Gardner’s arrest was issued in July, leading to his capture last Friday. He made his initial court appearance over the weekend and is currently held at the Linn County Jail on a $75,000 bond.
