Police: Iowa City man tried to sexually assault caregiver

IOWA CITY - An Iowa City man is accused of attempting to sexually assault his caregiver.

According to an Iowa City police criminal complaint, around 8:20 a.m. Thursday, 21-year-old Chad E. Smith received a visit from a caregiver. Police said the caregiver, who is not identified in the criminal complaint, was tasked with checking in on Smith and making sure he was cleaning and taking care of himself.

Police said during Thursday's visit, Smith told the caregiver he wanted to be her boyfriend and tried to give her hugs and kisses. The woman attempted to tell Smith they were just friends, but he allegedly grabbed her by the neck and tried to kiss her.

The woman fought with Smith for more than 20 minutes while trying to get away with him, during which time he allegedly put his hands down her pants and grabbed her. Police said the woman screamed for help and called for police while Smith assaulted her.

Smith finally got off the woman and asked her not to tell the police or anyone else what happened, police said. When he realized she was calling for help, he fled the scene. Police arrived and found Smith hiding in another part of the apartment building. He was arrested and charged with assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, a Class D felony.

Police said the woman suffered bruising on her neck as a result of the assault.