Hunter
12/17/20
An Iowa City man with a long criminal history was arrested again Thursday after allegedly threatening people with knives.
Police say the incident occurred at Cross Park Place just before 3am. Officers were called to the building on reports of an intoxicated man threatening people. The victim of the alleged incident said that 61-year-old Russell Weston was drunk and yelling about an earlier fight he was involved in. Weston allegedly said he was going to cut the head off the person, and had two knives on him. Weston, who the victim said was acting extremely agitated and shouting, turned to him and asked him which one he wanted. Weston reportedly pulled out two sharp knives and held them in a threatening manner. The victim felt threatened, and believing his life was in danger, called 911. That caused Weston to flee to his room.
Police talked with Weston, who denied any involvement in the altercation, although it was captured on surveillance video. Weston consented to a search of his room, where officers found the two knives on the video. Weston later admitted to showing the knives to the victim, but claimed he was because he was peeling potatoes.
Weston was taken into custody and charged with 1st degree Harassment and Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. He could be sentenced to up to four years in prison if convicted on both charges.
A check of Iowa Courts shows over 150 criminal incidents, the most recent one being July 18th, when he was found guilty of Public Urination and Defecation after video showed Weston committing the acts in the VFW parking lot on Hollywood Boulevard.