Hunter
9/19/19
An Iowa City man took the “you kids stay off my lawn” bit a little too far and is facing up to two years in prison for his actions.
According to police one such incident involving 73-year-old Joe Martin of South Riverside Drive occurred on September 13th around 7:25pm. He allegedly became upset at a group of children playing around his residence, and threatened to shoot them if they didn’t stay off “his street.” He’s also accused of coming out of his home with a silver handgun and allegedly threatening a different group of kids with it.
Police say that they’ve had numerous calls regarding Martin and firearm threats. The victims reported being frightened by his actions and statements.
Martin was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon and charged with first degree Harassment, an aggravated misdemeanor.