Area transient accused of chasing suspected bike thief with knife

Hunter
02/13/24

An Iowa City man was arrested Monday after allegedly threatening a man with a knife.

Police say 54-year-old Wayne Stewart was one of the individuals who had set up residence in a vacant business located at the former Sycamore Mall. Just before 3:50pm, Stewart approached a subject he believed to be riding a stolen bike.  He allegedly displayed a kitchen knife and pointed it at  the biker, who reported being in fear for his life.

The man tried to get away on the bicycle, but Stewart reportedly chased him a short distance with the knife still in his hand.

He was arrested and charged with Assault while Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by a jail term of up to two years if convicted.