Lang
1/11/25
Police have arrested a Coralville man they say intentionally drove his car recklessly in order to frighten his children.
43-year-old Darren McDowell of Pembrokeshire Drive was booked into the Johnson County Jail just after 8:15 Friday night. Coralville Police say McDowell was driving his VW Jetta when he reportedly hit his eldest son in the chest and asked him, “Are you a man or a boy?” The son was sitting in the front passenger seat.
McDowell then allegedly said, “I’ll show you crazy” as he began to speed and drive recklessly, making all three children fearful for their safety.
When the family arrived at the Mainstay Suites on Holiday Road, the eldest son allegedly grabbed his little brother and tried to grab his younger sister, but was unsuccessful. Police say the two brothers then ran to a nearby business and called their mother for help. They also reportedly told arriving officers that they were in fear for their safety.
McDowell allegedly ignored officers’ commands and tried to walk into the motel before he was stopped.
McDowell is charged with three counts of Child Endangerment and one of Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of over six years in jail.