Transient accused of chasing Iowa City woman with knife, threatening to kill her and her baby

Lang
11/18/22

A transient faces charges that he chased an Iowa City woman while wielding a knife and threatening to kill her and her baby.

Iowa City Police say 23-year-old Russell Miller defied a no-contact order when he entered a Westgate Street residence just before 11:45 Tuesday morning. Miler allegedly kicked in the rear door while armed with a pocket knife. The victim reported that Miller waved the knife at her and told her he was going to kill her and her baby.

Miller reportedly followed the woman upstairs, but once police arrived he fled out a basement door and through neighboring yards. Police say Miller called the residence a short time later as they were still on the scene. He allegedly told the woman where he was before saying he was going to return.

Investigators found Miller a few blocks away and took him into custody after a brief foot chase. He’s charged with Domestic Abuse Assault – 3rd or Subsequent Offense, 1st Degree Harassment, Interference With Official Acts, and a No-Contact Order Violation. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over seven years in prison.

Miller has previous domestic abuse convictions out of Cook County, Illinois.