Man accused of coaxing son to assault another man

Police have an Iowa City man in custody after he allegedly persuaded his son to assault another person.

According to a criminal complaint, police responded to 313 Cherokee Trail at 5:20 p.m. Sunday in reference to a fight. Officers discovered a man had come to the residence of Michael J. Roe Jr., 53, to speak with him about his son.

During the conversation, Roe Jr. became very irate and his son got into the verbal altercation as well, police said. According to several people, Roe Jr. repeatedly enticed his son to attack the man saying, “If you don't do it, I'm gonna.” Police added Roe Jr. removed his jewelry during the altercation and started “posturing up” to the man and his wife.

After several demands, Roe Jr.'s son allegedly hit the man over the head with a hammer, causing serious injuries. Officers said Roe Jr. admitted to coaxing his son to inflict injury on the man, adding he was proud of his son for what he had done.

Roe was arrested and charged with willful injury, a Class C felony. He is currently being held in Johnson County Jail on a $10,000 cash only bond. A Class C felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.