Hunter
09/01/23
An Iowa City man with a history of criminal behavior was arrested again Thursday night in the downtown area.
Police say 26-year-old Michael Pennell of Gilbert Court slapped a victim in the face multiple times with an open hand near the intersection of East Washington and South Dubuque Street at 9:50pm. The victim complained of neck pain and his eyes appeared to be swollen shut.
Pennell was charged with Assault causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year if convicted
Pennell is due in court next Thursday to be arraigned on a controlled substance charge. On July 13th, he reportedly was at the Town and Campus Apartments at around 4:30pm when officers were called regarding 2-3 males who were attempting to kick a door in. Upon arrival, witnesses reportedly pointed to Pennell and said he was the one who broke the door and a TV.
Pennell refused to provide identification and was arrested.
A post-arrest search allegedly found a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana on Pennell’s person. He has prior drug convictions, from both Linn and Johnson County.
Pennell’s prior criminal offenses include breaking into an apartment, assaulting police officers, interfering with official acts, attacking store employees after an attempted theft, assaulting a cellmate, eating drinking and damaging over $100 in merchandise from a convenience store, and an attempted burglary at Carver Hawkeye Arena.