A Davenport, Iowa man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for robbing three banks and leading police on a pursuit in Iowa City.
Prosecutors said over a period of six months Eric Martin, 35, robbed three banks in Iowa City. In all three crimes, Martin wore a mask and pointed a loaded gun at tellers as he demanded money.
Martin robbed the U.S. Bank, Midwest One Bank and Hills Bank and Trust.
Prosecutors said Martin robbed the Hills Bank and Trust, 1401 S. Gilbert Street, at about 9:30 a.m. April 23, 2012. Martin wore a mask and pointed a loaded semi-automatic 9mm handgun at tellers when he demanded money from them.
Martin fled the bank on a motorized dirt bike with more than $23,000 in cash. Eight schools were locked down for about an hour as he led Iowa City Police on a pursuit through neighborhoods. The pursuit ended when his dirt bike collided with a police car. Martin still had the stolen money and gun on him when he was arrested.
Martin was sentenced April 1, 2013 to 30 years in prison plus five years of supervised release. Martin was also ordered to pay $53,369 in restitution to the victim banks.