Hunter
08/07/23
An Iowa City man who allegedly stole a bike from in front of a downtown restaurant last week has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman at a Coralville hotel, paying for the room with a stolen credit card.
The first incident occurred on July 30th at Jimmy John’s on East Washington Street. At approximately 8:25pm, 38-year-old Eric Ambler of Shelter House reportedly approached and rode off with the victim’s bicycle. Someone witnessed the theft and followed Ambler down Dubuque Street until police arrived. The witness identified Ambler as the suspect; he admitted to having an interaction with the victim but denied stealing the bike. The owner stated the bike was valued at about $50.
Friday night, Ambler rented a room at the Radisson on 1st Avenue with a woman. He reportedly assaulted her by striking her to unconsciousness, then hitting her again when she came to. Ambler told police that they were in the room together and got into an argument that turned physical. He also stated that she told him she though he broke her nose.
It was alleged later that Ambler paid for the room by using another person’s credit card. He reportedly admitted to using the card, knew it was the victim’s, and did so without prior approval.
Ambler faces charges of Willful Injury causing Bodily Injury and Unauthorized use of a Credit Card for Friday’s incident, and 5th degree theft for the downtown Iowa City incident. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to over 7 years in prison.