Hunter
04/14/25
An Iowa man faces jail time after allegedly assaulting a woman in downtown Iowa City earlier this year.
Police say the incident occurred in the early morning hours of Feburary 1 at Raising Cane’s on South Clinton Street. 18-year-old Owen Ferneding of Carroll Iowa was allegedly involved in a physical altercation where the victim claimed he grabbed her and pushed her inside.
Ferneding was charged with simple assault, public intoxication, interference with official acts and possession of a fictitious ID.
The woman was initially unsure about pressing a more serious assault charge, but when interviewed February 7th said she wanted to go ahead. She also alleged that she had gotten a concussion as a result of the altercation.
A warrant was issued February 10th and served last week. Ferneding was released on his own recognizance, and a no contact order was issued by Judge Brandon Schrock Thursday.
Ferneding could face up to a year in jail on an Assault causing Bodily Injury charge; he pleaded not guilty to the other charges. The simple misdemeanor charges are being held open for review. Ferneding has a case management conference scheduled for May 12th on the fake ID charge.