Transient fined $105 for attacking couple on their way to church, slapping woman at Iowa City Public Library

Lang
4/29/23

A local transient has been fined after a pair of unprovoked attacks in Iowa City over the last week.

The first incident occurred last Sunday morning, when 30-year-old Jose Hernandez was walking down the 300 block of East College Street just after 8:15am. Police say as he passed a couple on their way to church, one of the two said, “Hello” to Hernandez. He responded by swinging at the two several times. One of the swings struck the woman’s hand. Hernandez then fled the scene.

Iowa City Police found Hernandez nearby, although he refused their commands to stop. He was captured after a chase that lasted several blocks and was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Interference With Official Acts.

Hernandez was given credit for time served after spending one day in the Johnson County jail.
Hernandez then went to the Iowa City Public Library last Tuesday, where he slapped a woman who was studying. Police say the woman did not know Hernandez and had never said anything to him. He claimed she was “spreading rumors”.

Hernandez pleaded guilty to a Disorderly Conduct charge and was fined $105.