Lang
10/19/25
A California man faces a felony vandalism charge after allegedly causing an estimated $10,000 in damage to a downtown Iowa City hotel.
Iowa City Police say 41-year-old Johnathan Kress of San Diego rammed a luggage cart into the entrance of Hyatt Place on East Court Street just before 2:45 Saturday morning. The cart broke the door off its track and damaged the frame.
Kress reportedly claimed he was just trying to get into the lobby. Iowa City Police say he showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking multiple beers. He refused post-arrest breath testing.
Kress is charged with 1st Degree Criminal Mischief and Public Intoxication. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of over ten years in prison.