Ottumwa Man Faces Felony Charge Following Alleged Group Assault

An Ottumwa man faces a felony charge following an alleged group assault earlier this month.

James Harwood, 28, is charged with participating in a riot, a Class D felony.

Court records allege Harwood was among a group that gathered on Richmond Avenue shortly before 5 p.m. August 9 and engaged in violent behavior. The group is accused of using unlawful force and punching another person.

A warrant was issued for Harwood’s arrest August 25. He was taken into custody the following day.

Harwood remains in the Wapello County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

The charge is an accusation, and Harwood is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.