IC transient charged with threatening man at Shelter House

Hunter
01/24/20

An Iowa City transient has been charged with harassment after threatening a Shelter House resident.

According to police, 29-year-old Edward Fitch was at the facility Thursday night at approximately 7:10 when he confronted a man sitting at a table who has a no-contact order against Fitch. The victim stated that Fitch stated, “I’m gonna smash your effing face in if you don’t shut your effing mouth.”

The victim alerted staff to the threat, who called police when Fitch left the building.

Officers came upon Fitch in the Shelter House parking lot and allegedly noticed the odor of ingested alcohol on him. He reportedly admitted to previously drinking one to two beers. When questioned about the incident inside, Fitch denied any interaction with the victim or knowing that he was even there. Fitch said he only came to the Shelter House to check for an available bed and to get property.

Fitch was arrested and charged with 2nd degree Harassment, public intoxication and violation of a no-contact order. If convicted on the charges, Fitch could be sentenced to up to 13 months in jail.