Lang
10/16/21
A local transient with a lengthy criminal history is back behind bars after allegedly assaulting a woman, kicking her dog, and trying to force a bag of dog feces into her mouth.
Iowa City Police received a report that 45-year-old Michael Dacunos was assaulting a woman in Riverfront Crossings Park behind Big Grove Brewery just after 1:15 Friday afternoon. Investigators found Dacunos near the scene. Witnesses say he started yelling at and chasing a woman who was walking her dog on the bike path. Dacunos allegedly knocked the woman to the ground with his bike and began hitting her in the face. Police say he then tried shoving her dog poop bag in her mouth before kicking the dog in the ribs, throwing the woman’s cellphone into the river, and walking away.
The woman suffered bleeding from her mouth and had marks on her face and neck.
Dacunos was arrested and charged with Assault Using or Displaying a Weapon, Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Animal Abuse and 5th Degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over five years in prison.
Dacunos has a history of following and attacking women in Iowa City. He also has numerous charges against him for other assaults and for damaging motor vehicles.