Iowa City man faces multiple felonies in gun assault, chase

IOWA CITY — An Iowa City man faces a multitude of charges after two separate incidents that involved guns.

According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, the first incident occurred around 6 p.m. March 16. James S. Joy, 35, was involved in a large fight involving roughly 16 people at 1926 Broadway St., police said. During that brawl, Joy is alleged to have pulled a handgun, pointed it at several people and hit one person in the head with the gun.

Police said Joy also fired one round into the ground.

In the second incident, police said Joy was spotted around 3 a.m. Tuesday driving a vehicle without any plates and a damaged taillight. An officer recognized Joy and knew he had warrants for his arrest.

Police attempted to stop Joy near Benton and Clinton streets, but he sped away, reaching speeds of 66 mph within the city and ignoring multiple traffic lights and signs. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit when Joy drove east on Interstate 80. He circled back toward Iowa City when he got to West Branch, police said. An Iowa State Patrol trooper forced Joy to lose control of the vehicle and he fled on foot, police said.

During the foot chase, police said Joy discarded a handgun that was later recovered. After being taken into custody, Joy admitted to using cocaine, marijuana and Adderall and being “high,” police said.

Joy was arrested and his list of charges in the two incidents includes two counts of control of a firearm by a felon, two counts of carrying weapons, eluding, going armed with intent and interference with official acts with a dangerous weapon. He remains in custody at the Johnson County Jail.

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