Solon man charged with burglary, assault at Iowa City home

A Solon man was arrested Thursday night on charges he tried to break into an Iowa City house and assaulted a juvenile who tried to stop him.

Benjamin Harrison, 45, faces charges of first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, assault causing bodily injury, second-degree criminal mischief and driving while barred.

On June 16, Harrison entered the garage of an Iowa City home around 7:30 p.m. and tried to get into the house, according to a criminal complaint. He wasn’t able to get into the house but did cut the wires to the chain drive electric garage door opener.

Then, around 10:30 p.m., Harrison attempted to break into the house through the back patio door and was confronted by a juvenile resident of the home. The two fought, damaging the patio door and causing a cut on the hand of the juvenile, the complaint states.

The fight continued into the back yard, where Harrison allegedly choked the juvenile for 15 to 20 seconds before running away because other members of the household were calling the police.

A warrant was issued for Harrison’s arrest, and he was booked Thursday night after an officer recognized him while driving. Harrison’s driving status was barred.

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