Hunter
01/15/24
An Iowa City man was arrested after a weekend altercation at a Coralville hotel.
According to police, 27-year-old Michael LaBarbera of The Quarters apartment complex and his romantic partner were at the Fairfield Inn on Coral Ridge Avenue Saturday just before 9pm when a physical altercation took place. LaBarbera allegedly restrained the woman by pinning her to the bed with his arm, and covered her nose and mouth while telling her to shut up. The victim said she couldn’t breathe and experienced pain as he pressed and pinched her nose.
When police arrived, LaBarbera reportedly had bloodshot watery eyes, had the odor of ingested alcohol, exhibited impaired judgement, and admitted to drinking.
A check of LaBarbera’s arrest record showed a previous conviction for Domestic Abuse causing Bodily Injury.
He was charged with 2nd offense Domestic Abuse Assault and Public Intoxication. If convicted on both counts, LaBarbera could be sentenced to up to 25 months in jail. A no-contact order was requested between the couple.
