IC man accused of assaulting pregnant woman and taking her vehicle

Hunter
02/25/22

An Iowa City man was taken into custody on an assault warrant after he allegedly assaulted a woman pregnant with his child.

Police say the incident occurred the evening of February 3rd in the 1900 block of Stevens Drive. 22-year-old Joel Seals reportedly struck the woman in the face with an open hand, causing her cheek to swell. The criminal complaint says that the woman, who has been living with Seals for several months, was crying and in fear.

Seals then allegedly broke the woman’s phone, threw her clothes in the street, and took the woman’s car without her permission.

A warrant was issued for Seals’ arrest on February 4th; he was booked at the Johnson County Jail just after 1 am Thursday. He’s been charged with Domestic Abuse Assault causing Injury and Operating a Vehicle without Consent. If convicted on both counts, Seals could be sentenced to up to three years in jail.

A no-contact order was requested and granted by Judge Jason Burns.