Hunter
10/22/19
A West Liberty man was taken into custody on a warrant connected with a domestic incident earlier this month in Iowa City.
According to police, 26-year-old Brian Almendarez became engaged in an argument with a woman at an apartment in the 400 block of Emerald Street on October 6th around 5pm. He’s accused of breaking glass objects, including the mirrors on the vehicle the woman owns, and a window to her apartment.
The woman says that Almendarez became enraged when she tried to call 911 and took her phone away from her, punching her in the chest when she tried to take it back.
The two ended up on a couch, where Almendarez reportedly kicked the woman in the ribs, and choked her with his hands and arms, nearly to the point of unconsciousness. Police noted numerous bruises, redness and swelling on the woman.
The woman’s three minor children were present; one saw the entire incident and tried to intervene and was ignored.
The two had been romantically involved for about four months, with Almendarez keeping clothes and a toothbrush at the woman’s apartment.
Almendarez was booked at the Johnson County Jail Monday afternoon. He’s charged with Domestic Abuse causing injury, Domestic Abuse restricting Airflow, Child Endangerment and Obstruction of Emergency Communications. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to over eight years in prison.