Cedar Rapids man accused of attempting to kill man in bed with ex-girlfriend

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man was arrested Saturday on charges that he broke into a house and attempted to kill a man who his ex-girlfriend was in bed with.

Phillip James Horak, 41, is charged with attempted murder, first-degree burglary, willful injury - causing serious injury, going armed with intent and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.

According to a criminal complaint, Horak entered a house in the 900 block of 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, on Sept. 4, and went into the basement, where his ex-girlfriend was in bed with Nicholas Willis. Horak threw a large object at Willis, waking him up, and then jumped on Willis and attacked him using his fists and a knife.

Willis sustained several injuries, including a large cut to his right wrist that exposed internal tissue, a large cut to his upper lip that also exposed internal tissue and two smaller cuts and a swollen bump on the back of his head, which was bleeding uncontrolled when Cedar Rapids police arrived on scene, according to the complaint.

“The stab wounds to the alleged victim’s head, in particular, looked to have been inflicted with the type of force that would set in motion a chain of events that would lead to the alleged victim’s death and were done with the specific intent to kill him,” the complaints states.

Horak was arrested Saturday after he was spotted on a bike with no lights around 2 a.m. by Cedar Rapids Police officers. Horak was told by police to stop but continued riding the bike away. He was apprehended after a short foot pursuit, according to a criminal complaint. He is charge with interference with official acts and improper light on bicycle in relation to his arrest.

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