Iowa man claims he was robbed twice in 30 minutes

[April 03, 2009]  IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- A 22-year-old man claims he was robbed twice in a 30-minute span in Iowa City on Thursday morning.

Police said the man said he was approached by a group of about six men asking for cigarettes early Thursday morning. The victim said he was attacked by the group and had his cigarettes stolen.

Police said the man then walked past a group of four or five men in a "back alley" when he was attacked from behind. The victim said he was knocked down and his watch was taken.

Police said the victim was not visibly injured, but he had a dirty appearance consistent with having been on damp ground.

[Associated Press]

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