Lang
9/27/26
A transient accused of assaulting a downtown Iowa City hotel employee faces new charges after allegedly returning to the scene.
29-year-old Montelle Craig was already charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury, 5th Degree Criminal Mischief, 5th Degree Theft, Trespass Causing Injury, and Possession of Marijuana after a Thursday afternoon incident at the Graduate Hotel on the Ped Mall. According to police, Craig was outside the hotel and was told to leave by an employee, after having been previously trespassed from the business. As the victim began to walk back into the hotel, Craig allegedly followed and kicked their knee from behind. He then reportedly ran into the hotel, broke two lamps and stole a t-shirt before running out.
Iowa City Police now say Craig returned to the Graduate after getting out of jail just after 8:45 Thursday night and told the staff he would return and assault the same employee again.
Officers caught up with Craig as he was walking along Highway 6 near 1st Avenue in Iowa City just before 11:45 Thursday night. He allegedly dumped liquid out of a cup he was crying and complained that the officers made him waste “good alcohol”. Craig was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication, Possession of Marijuana – 3rd or Subsequent Offense, 2nd Degree Harassment, and Trespassing. If convicted on the latest counts, he faces a maximum of 37 months in jail.