A group of people taking part in a peaceful protest in Iowa City were reportedly interrupted by a man who drove his vehicle into the gathering and injured some of the attendees.
Last Tuesday, a group of people was taking part in a protest march put together by the Iowa Freedom Riders.
Just before 8:30 pm, a Toyota Camry with a male driver and the headlights off reportedly barreled into the area where the people were standing.
More than one person was reportedly hit by the vehicle, and several injuries were reported to news outlets, including one alleged victim who was said to have been knocked off their feet and onto the hood of the car while it was still in motion.
After the incident, the driver reportedly left the scene, and the Iowa City Police Department was notified about the situation.
According to the affidavit, the police reviewed video that was recorded by someone who saw the incident as it unfolded, and it reportedly showed the Camry driver getting caught in a traffic jam a short distance from the demonstration, and honking his horn at the congestion.
The driver allegedly rapidly turned the vehicle around and turned off his headlights before reportedly finding a street nearby without any traffic, and accelerated into the crowd.
When the police believed they identified the driver as 45-year-old Michael Stepanek, the man was located by the authorities and questioned about what had reportedly taken place at the protest site.
Stepanek allegedly responded by saying that he did it to try to give the people taking part in the protest an “attitude adjustment.”
Stepanek was placed under arrest and booked into the Johnson City Jail. He is facing charges for suspicion of felony intimidation with a dangerous weapon and willful injury, and his bond was set at $15,000.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.