Lang
8/21/25
A city councilor is speaking out after a vehicular attack on an Iowa City homeless camp last week.
Iowa City Police say 29-year-old Roman Aguilar Ventura of the Hilltop manufactured housing community intentionally drove his 2011 Toyota Camry into the camp near the intersection of Southgate Avenue and Waterfront Drive just before 10:45 Friday night, then fled the scene. Four victims were treated at a hospital and released, while a fifth victim was treated at the scene. Police say Aguilar Ventura and his alleged victims had been involved in a dispute prior to the incident. He was later arrested at his nearby trailer.
Residents of the mobile home park and representatives from nearby businesses addressed the city council last month with their concerns about the growing homeless camp, saying since it sprung up they’ve noticed increased crime and police activity in their neighborhood. The camp is on the property of Shelter House, which only has capacity for 70 beds.
Iowa City city councilor Shawn Harmsen told KCRG TV-9 that the city has moved away from criminalizing homelessness, and that city staff held a meeting with Hilltop residents to mediate any issues. A Hilltop representative told the television station that the meeting went well and they are supportive of what they heard from the city.
Meanwhile, Aguilar Ventura is charged with five counts each of Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury and Assault Using a Weapon and one count each of Operating While Intoxicated – 3rd or Subsequent Offense, Leaving the Scene of an Injury Accident, Driving While Barred, and Driving While Revoked. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 44 years in prison. A detainer has since been placed by ICE.