Lang/Hunter
10/9/23
A member of Iowa City’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee awaiting trial on arson charges was arrested last week after allegedly cutting off his ankle monitor in an attempt to flee to Chicago.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office says it was notified by a GPS company of a “strap tamper” just after 11:00am September 30th on a unit being worn by 44-year-old Eric Harris. Harris was arrested in March of this year after being accused of trying to set himself on fire at his Sandusky Drive residence. Police say he held a blowtorch to furniture and his own face while other people, including two children, were inside the house. Harris was charged with 1st Degree Arson and two counts of Child Endangerment.
The last known location of Harris’ ankle monitor was the Trailways bus station on East Court Street. The monitor was found with the strap cut in a nearby trash can. Police indicate a bus was scheduled to leave Iowa City for Chicago at about the time the monitor was cut. Officers contacted Harris via text. He allegedly replied with admissions to trying to flee from prosecution.
Harris was booked into the Johnson County Jail just before 12:30 Thursday morning and charged with Escape of a Felon, Fleeing to Avoid Prosecution and 5th Degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted on the new and old charges against him, Harris faces a maximum of over 39 years in prison.
Online records indicate Harris is one of nine members of Iowa City’ s Truth and Reconciliation Committee; his current term is set to expire next year. A check of city records show Harris has not attended a single meeting, in-person or remotely, since a June arrest for Domestic Assault and a Controlled Substance violation. Court records indicate Harris filed a request in court to reduce the amount of his bond on that incident just days before he attempted to flee.