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4/7/21
A Java House employee faces charges that he smashed out the windows of the business with a hammer over what he sees as poor working conditions and mistreatment by the public.
Iowa City Police say multiple witnesses recorded video of 21-year-old Davis Willaert of North Van Buren Street bashing in the windows of the East Washington Street business just after 10pm Tuesday. Willaert, a liberal arts student at the University of Iowa, allegedly used a hammer to break out multiple storefront windows. He later told police he was upset with his working conditions, and with how some members of the public treat him and his fellow Java House employees.
Video taken by witnesses shows Willaert fleeing the scene after breaking the windows. He was later found showing multiple signs of intoxication. The hammer was found on his person. Willaert’s blood alcohol content was measured at .164%.
Willaert is charged with 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief and Public Intoxication. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of over five years in prison.
