Suspect accused of assaulting Coralville woman, threatening to burn down her residence

Lang
5/10/24

Coralville Police say a suspect broke into a woman’s home and assaulted her before threatening to burn down her residence.

29-year-old Javonte Cunningham of Apadana Court was booked into the Johnson County Jail just after 5:45 Thursday night. According to arrest records, police were at the scene of an assault investigation on 21st Avenue Place on Valentine’s Day afternoon when Cunningham called his alleged victim and said if he didn’t get his property back within 24 hours he would “burn your s— down”. He then reportedly made reference to throwing a Molotov cocktail into her house. Investigators say the statements were recorded on their body cameras.

Cunningham allegedly called back again and repeated the threat. An officer called Cunningham back and told him to come get his property, but Cunningham never showed up.
Police learned Cunningham had been at the residence earlier, reportedly entering the house by knocking a pane of glass out of the front door, reaching his hand through open space and opening the dead-bolt. Once inside, he allegedly punched one of the residents multiple times, causing an injury to the woman’s left eye as well as various scratches and red marks. The incident was captured by security cameras.

Cunningham is charged with 3rd Degree Burglary, 1st Degree Harassment, and Assault Causing Bodily Injury. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of eight years in prison.