Hunter
12/18/23
An Iowa City man was charged with domestic assault after an altercation early Saturday morning.
Police say 21-year-old Mitchell Smith of East Washington Street and the woman who lives with him were involved in the incident. Emergency dispatch reportedly received multiple 911 hangups from the woman in their apartment at approximately 2:25am. When officers arrived, the woman stated that Smith had assaulted her. She alleged that Smith pushed her multiple times, which resulted in her landing on the floor. Smith then reportedly put his hands around her throat in an attempt to cut off her breathing.
Smith then allegedly retrieved a large serrated kitchen knife and began cutting himself. The woman then tried to get the knife away from Smith during a physical struggle. She was able to get the knife away from him and attempted to call 911, but Smith reportedly took the victim’s phone and hung up. A third 911 call was able to connect to dispatch.
The woman reportedly suffered a scratch to her arm, abrasions on her knee, and a hoarse voice from the alleged assault.
Smith was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault causing Injury, Domestic Abuse Assault impeding Airflow, and Obstruction of Emergency Communications. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to over six years in prison.