Morning assault on woman in Iowa City reported, the second similar assault this week

IOWA CITY - For the second time this week, Iowa City police are investigating a morning assault on College Street.

Police said they responded to the area of 1500 E. College St. around 8:15 a.m. Friday. The victim reported being grabbed from behind by a man armed with a knife. The victim fought off the attacker.

Police said the assailant fled on foot west on College Street and north on Pearl Street before the victim and witnesses lost sight of him. He was described as a thin man with short hair, about 6 feet, 2 inches, and was wearing a dark hoodie and face covering.

The Friday assault was similar. The victim reported being grabbed from behind by a man around 8:10 a.m. in an alley near 515 E. College St. The attacker ran east after the assault.

Anyone with information on the assault or who was in the area at the time is asked to call police investigator Ronnie Gist at (319) 356-5284, or contact Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers to report a tip anonymously.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com