For Immediate Release

Iowa City Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Willful Injury of Five People with His Vehicle While Intoxicated

July 8, 2026 (JOHNSON COUNTY, IA) – On July 3, 2026, Roman Aguilar Ventura, age 30, of Iowa City, was sentenced to 20 years for charges of Operating While Intoxicated - 3rd or Subsequent Offense, a Class D Felony; 2 counts of Willful Injury Resulting in Bodily Injury, a Class D Felony; 3 counts of Assault While Displaying Dangerous Weapon/Use of Dangerous Weapon, an Aggravated Misdemeanor; Driving While Barred – Habitual Offender, an Aggravated Misdemeanor; and Driving While License Denied or Revoked, a Serious Misdemeanor. Aguilar pled guilty to these charges in March 2026.  

In August of 2025, Aguilar drove his vehicle into five people residing in tents at the corner of Southgate Avenue and Waterfront Drive after a dispute and then fled the scene of the incident. Iowa City Police officers located Aguilar at his residence, where he showed signs of alcohol intoxication. 

Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith said, “The Defendant targeted vulnerable people who were living in an unsafe situation. This sentence ensures that he will no longer be a danger to the public.” 

This case was investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant Johnson County Attorney Jeff Brunelle.

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View a PDF of this press release with court documents attached.