IC man arrested on warrant stemming from June assault

Hunter
07/16/20

An Iowa City man has been taken into custody after a warrant was issued stemming from a June incident at his home.

According to investigators, 23-year-old Devontay James was at the Lakeside Drive residence at approximately 9:25pm  on June 28th. A woman in the home was adjusting his hair, and James reportedly became upset when a rubber band snapped. He’s accused of punching the female several times in the face and kicking her in the face.

Another member of the household tried to intervene, and James postured as if he was going to fight the second victim. James left the room, saying “you don’t know who you’re messing with, I’m a killer.”

He came out of his room and started yelling at the male again, but was held back by his parents. The male approached James, who tried to strike him with a closed fist. The male bear-hugged James to keep him from punching, and they both ended up on the ground.

James’ father saw that he had a knife and pinned his hand to the ground. That allowed the victim to get away, at which time he noticed his injuries. They included a laceration to his hand, lower lip and forehead. He also had a large laceration to his throat. The victim then told friends to call police because he thought he was going to die.

The male had to be transported to the ER for the life-threatening injury to his throat.

A warrant was issued for James’ arrest and no contact orders were requested by both victims.

James was arrested and booked into the Johnson County Jail at 7:20 Wednesday morning. He’s been charged with Willful Injury causing Serious Injury, Domestic Abuse Assault, and a controlled substance violation that James was on probation for. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to over 15 years in prison.