Lang
8/17/24
A Coralville man accused of pulling a shotgun on an Iowa City family has been given a two-day jail sentence.
Iowa City Police were called to an address on Dover Street last September for a subject holding a shotgun. Responding officers were told that 42-year-old Matthew Richards of the Western Hills Estates manufactured housing community had been banging on the back door of the residence and demanding a woman inside come out to speak with him. When the woman refused, Richards reportedly aimed a loaded shotgun at the woman through an open window while claiming he would kill the whole family. One of the woman’s children was in the room with her at the time.
Richard tried driving away from the scene, but he was stopped by responding officers. He allegedly showed signs of intoxication, and a loaded shotgun was found inside the vehicle.
Richards was arrested and charged with three counts each of 1st Degree Harassment and Assault While Participating in a Felony and one count each of Possession of a Weapon While Intoxicated, Going Armed With Intent, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, Person Ineligible to Carry Firearms, Operating While Intoxicated, Driving While Denied or Revoked and Public Intoxication. If convicted on all charges, he would have faced a maximum of over 39 years in prison.
Richards reached a plea deal in July, and on Monday he was sentenced to two days in jail with convictions on the OWI, Driving While Denied or Revoked and Possession of a Weapon While Intoxicated charges. All other charges were dismissed.