Three assaulted in pair of Iowa City incidents

Police say three people were assaulted in two different incidents in Iowa City early Friday, including a female who was punched in the face by a man.

Officers first responded to a report of a person laying in the street near the corner of College and Gilbert streets just before 2 a.m. After police located the female in the 100 block of South Linn Street, they determined she broke a tooth when she was punched. She declined medical treatment at the scene, police said.

The woman, whose name was not released, was with a small group when she walked past another group of three or four people, police said. According to witnesses, a male came out of the group and punched the female in the face, without being provoked.

The assailant is described as a white male with brown hair, about 20 years old. He was last seen going east on College Street.

A few minutes after the first incident was reported, officers were called to the corner of Dodge and Burlington streets, where witnesses said a man assaulted two other men.

One of the men who was assaulted lost consciousness, but had regained consciousness by the time police arrived. He was transported to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Witnesses said two men were walking on the north side of Burlington Street when another man approached them from behind and said something to get their attention. When the two men turned around, both were struck and were knocked to the ground, police said.

One of the victims left the scene before police arrived, and later refused to be involved with the investigation, police said.

The assailant is described as a white male about 20 years old standing 5-foot-10, with shaggy hair. He was last seen wearing a black North Face jacket and black tennis shoes. Witnesses told police he went east on Burlington after the assault.

Anyone with information about either assault is asked to call Iowa City Area CrimeStoppers at (319) 358-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $1,000 is available, and anonymous tips are accepted. Callers should refer to case No. 2009054808 for the female assault and case No. 2009054812 for the assault of the males.