Marion man accused of intentionally ramming vehicle during fight in Iowa City parking lot

Lang
6/2/24

A Linn County man faces charges that he intentionally rammed another person’s car with his during a fight in an Iowa City parking lot.

Iowa City Police say 29-year-old Derrick Ford of Marion was involved in an argument outside the Town & Campus Apartments on Arthur Street just after 4:15 Saturday afternoon. Witnesses and video evidence indicate Ford was throwing punches at the other subject, to which Ford later reportedly admitted as well.

Two minutes after the fight broke up, Ford allegedly drove his 2020 Nissan Sentra into the other man’s car at a high enough rate of speed that both the front and side air bags of Ford’s vehicle deployed.  Ford then reportedly put the vehicle in reverse and jumped out while it was still backing up.

The entire incident was seen by witnesses and captured on security video, with one witness and the alleged victim saying they felt it was intentional. Ford is now charged with Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, Driving While Barred, and Disorderly Conduct. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over four years in jail.