Iowa City woman accused of helping another woman threaten and harass victim

Hunter
08/02/23

An Iowa City woman was arrested over the weekend when she and another suspect allegedly threatened the life of a woman who refused to pay for a TV.

Police say the incident took place on the 1300 block of Dover Street. 47-year-old Catherine Hitchcock of Taylor Drive drove her Buick to the victim’s residence at around 11:30 am Sunday with another suspect to confront the victim. The other suspect went to the door and demanded payment of $80 for a TV she had sold the victim. When the victim refused to give her the money, the suspect threatened to assault the woman.

Hitchcock got further involved when the suspect returned to the vehicle and she gave the suspect a large branch, which was subsequently used to swing at the victim.  Hitchcock then allegedly threatened to have her son come to the victim’s residence, and, quote, “do her in.”

While the woman was standing in the driveway, Hitchcock reportedly drove her vehicle towards the victim, who had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.  Hitchcock then started backing out of the driveway, only to allegedly put her vehicle in drive and drIve into the victim’s front yard in her direction.

Hitchcock was arrested and charged with 1st degree Harassment and simple Assault. If convicted on both counts, she could be sentenced to up to 25 months in jail.