Transient arrested after reportedly hitting victim with a landscaping block

Lang
8/18/24

A local transient has been arrested after Iowa City Police say she hit another person with a landscaping block.

Officers were called to the 500 block of Southgate Avenue just before 11:00 Friday morning for a report of a woman throwing things at another subject. The alleged victim and bystanders reported 28-year-old Jaetecia Higgins approached the man for no apparent reason, verbally harassed him, took a multitool from the man’s bag, then rode away. Higgins came back a short time later without the tool and reportedly threw a landscaping block at the man, striking him on the arm and causing pain. The man’s sleeve was ripped where he said the block hit him. Police say Higgins told them she threw the $25 multitool away.

Higgins is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury and 5th Degree Theft. If convicted on both counts, she faces a maximum of 13 months in jail.

Higgins was arrested earlier this year for allegedly burglarizing Formosa Sushi Restaurant on East College Street and for reportedly shoplifting 40 items at once from the downtown Target.