Hunter
9/23/19
An Iowa City man faces assault charges after a fight about his drinking got physical.
According to police, 32-year-old Emery Bakwanzila of the 1900 block of Broadway Street and the woman were in an argument Sunday night over his drinking habits and constantly leaving her alone with their 21-month-old child.
The argument turned physical, as Bakwanzila is accused of pushing the woman to the ground and punching her numerous times. He also allegedly placed a hand over her neck and applied pressure to her neck against a couch. The woman believed she was choked in this manner for about four minutes, and it only stopped when the woman’s brother arrived on scene and separated them.
Bakwanzila ran from the apartment but returned later while the woman was being interviewed by police.
The woman suffered a bump and bleeding on the forehead, swelling and redness around her eyes, a cut to her left thumb, and redness and scratches to her neck.
Bakwanzila was charged with domestic abuse assault impeding airflow, a Class D Felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years.