Lang
7/2/24
A pair of Iowa City roommates was arrested after a reported dispute with convenience store staff over a lack of fried chicken.
Iowa City Police say 23-year-old Cardaeja Jones and 47-year-old Martina Smith…who live together on Cross Park Avenue…were at Kwik Star on Keokuk Street just before 11:45 Thursday night when they became upset that there were no more eight-piece chicken boxes on the hot food rack. The two allegedly began following an employee around the store, despite being told that they had been trespassed and the police had been called.
Security video reportedly shows Smith’s chest was puffed out and her shoulders back as if she were going to fight. The employee reported Smith got close to her and threatened to assault her multiple times, including lunging at her.
Jones allegedly tried to punch an employee, but her arm was held back by a second employee. Once police arrived, Jones reportedly refused commands to step away, pushed an officer, and tried to kick another. She’s charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations, Assault With Intent to Cause Injury, Disorderly Conduct, and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all charges, she faces a maximum of 15 months in jail.
Smith is charged with Disorderly Conduct and could spend as much as 30 days behind bars.