Iowa City man accused of cutting off GPS monitor, fleeing to Chicago

An Iowa City man who was on pretrial release for a domestic assault and possession of marijuana is accused of cutting off his GPS monitor and attempting to flee to Chicago.

Eric L. Harris, 44, a member of Iowa City’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was charged Monday with flight to avoid prosecution and escape from custody, both class D felonies, and fifth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. Sixth Judicial Associate District Judge Jason Burns set a $20,000 cash-only bail during his initial appearance.

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According to a criminal complaint, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office was notified Aug. 30 of a “strap tamper” of Harris’ GPS monitor. The last ping location was at the Trailways bus station in Iowa City. Deputies located the monitor in trash can near the entrance of the bus station, and its strap was cut.

A bus was scheduled to leave at 11 a.m. that day for Chicago, according to the complaint. Deputies sent a text message to Harris and he admitted that he was fleeing and indicated he knew he was going to be arrested, the complaint shows.

Harris was charged in March with setting himself — as well as furniture in his home — on fire, according to a complaint. There were two young children at home at the time. When officers arrived March 25, they said they found Harris holding a blowtorch to his face, and saw furniture had been burned with the torch. He also made statements to police that he had tried to burn himself, the complaint stated.

Harris was charged with child endangerment, reckless use of fire and second-degree harassment, all misdemeanors.

In June, Harris was charged with domestic abuse assault, a serious misdemeanor, and possession of marijuana — third offense, a felony. Harris is accused of hitting a woman in the head and causing injury, according to the complaint. Police also found marijuana in Harris’ pocket during the arrest.

His term on the commission started Nov. 17, 2020, and ends Dec. 31, 2024, according to the city’s website. The Iowa City Council created the nine-member Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2020 in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

The commission’s mission is to gather testimony about racial injustices, foster ways for people to share their stories and encourage direct conversations in the community. The commission also is charged with issuing a report to the council with recommendations for changes and also advise whether the commission should continue or be disbanded.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com