Hunter
05/08/23
An area transient was arrested Sunday afternoon after allegedly assaulting a woman in downtown Iowa City.
According to the arrest report, 30-year-old Jose Hernandez assaulted the woman as she was walking on East College Street near its intersection with South Gilbert Street. Hernandez allegedly chased the woman down, grabbed her by the sports bra, threw her to the ground, thrust his hips against her, and began to throw punches at her until he was restrained by bystanders.
Police say there was no provocation or justification for the attack.
Hernandez was charged with Assault causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor. A no-contact order was requested by the victim.
Hernandez has a history of assaults, and was sentenced to 2 years in prison in 2021 for Assault with Intent to inflict Serious Injury and 1st degree Harassment. He also has an assault conviction from February and just last month was arrested for two separate incidents. On April 23rd, he reportedly passed a couple on their way to church on East College Street and swung at them several times when one said “hello” to him. Two days later, Hernandez allegedly slapped a woman who was studying at the Iowa City Public Library without provocation. He claimed she was spreading rumors about him. In each case, he was given credit for time served and fined.