Woman seriously injured in downtown Iowa City assault

IOWA CITY - A woman was seriously injured in an assault in downtown Iowa City early Sunday, and a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect.

Police were called to the 10 block of South Dubuque Street at 2:29 a.m. Sunday for a reported fight in progress. Upon arrival, officers found a petite female victim bleeding profusely from the nose and mouth. The victim, and a witness, said a man approached the victim as she was sitting down, offering her a ride and asking her to come home with him. The victim refused, and the suspect spit in her face, according to police.

The woman yelled at the suspect and he again spit in her face. The two began arguing and moved into an alley, where the suspect struck the victim, knocking her to the ground. The victim was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Emergency Trauma Center for treatment.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, with a medium build and shoulder length brown hair. He was wearing a black sweat shirt or jacket, and was last seen running east through the alley.

Police are asking for the public's help in finding a suspect, and Iowa City CrimeStoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 358-TIPS (358-8477).