Hunter
05/30/23
A dispute over a lawnmower has led to an Iowa City man’s arrest.
According to the criminal complaint, 58-year-old Randall McClaine was on the 300 block of South Lucas Street the evening of May 18th when a man approached him about the lawnmower McClaine took over a month ago. McClaine reportedly said it was a few blocks away, and after a discussion, McClaine left on a bike.
Shortly afterward, McClaine returned and got onto the man’s porch, as they argued about ownership of the mower. They ended up talking with one of the man’s neighbors about the dispute, and McClaine was eventually asked to leave.
The victim made a comment to McClaine, who then grabbed a broom and ran after the man as he was walking away. The witness warned the man to watch out, and McClaine allegedly then swung the broom at the man, striking him in the left hand. McClaine left after a brief scuffle. The man suffered a deep cut to his hand as a result.
A warrant was issued on the 23rd, and McClaine was taken into custody Sunday night. He’s been charged with Assault causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year if convicted.