Iowa City man faces prison time after knife attack

IOWA CITY - A man suffered a life-threatening injury to his throat during an assault last month.

The attack happened inside a residence at 1929 Lakeside Dr. around 9:30 p.m. June 28, according to Iowa City police criminal complaints.

Police said Devontay M. James, 23, of Iowa City, got upset with a man and acted as if he was going to fight him. The man stood in front of James, but did not fight.

James told him, 'You don't know who you're messing with. I'm a killer,” according to accounts. James went to his room, came back and started yelling again, police said.

Police said James' parents tried to hold him back, but James was able to confront the man and hit him with a closed fist. The man put James in a bear hug to prevent him from attacking him, and the two ended up on the floor. James' father saw his son had a knife and pinned his hand to the ground, police said

At that time, the man noticed a large cut to his throat, as well as cuts to his hand, lip and forehead, police said.

Police were called, and the victim was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

James faces a charge of willful injury causing serious injury, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com