DUBUQUE, Iowa — Authorities arrested a 25-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man early Saturday morning on felony charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary at the intersection of East 21st Street and Washington Street.

Zoe Ann Smith (W/F/25) was taken into custody at 7:41 a.m. on April 25, 2026, and charged with:

•  Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)

•  Burglary 1st Degree — Burglary/Breaking and Entering (Felony)

John Michael Smothers (W/M/28) was arrested minutes earlier at 7:34 a.m. on the same two felony charges, plus:

•  Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor)

•  Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)

The arrests occurred near 298 E. 21st St./Washington St. under case number AR 2026002645. Officers D. Weis and D. Lattner responded. 

Iowa, both first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Robbery in the first degree typically involves theft accompanied by a dangerous weapon, serious injury, or an immediate threat of harm. First-degree burglary applies to unlawful entry into an occupied structure with intent to commit a felony, assault, or theft, often when the perpetrator is armed or injures someone.

The misdemeanor drug charges against Smothers indicate that officers may have found controlled substances or related items during the response.

Smith and Smothers were arrested within minutes of each other at the same location, suggesting they may have been involved together. Police have not released information about any victims, injuries, weapons, or specific property involved. The area around East 21st and Washington is a mixed residential-urban neighborhood.

Both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Public records show prior law enforcement contacts for both, but these do not affect the current case. If convicted, the forcible felony charges would likely result in mandatory prison time with limited options for deferred sentences or probation.

Initial court appearances are expected within 24–48 hours at Dubuque County District Court, where bail and other conditions will be set.

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