Dubuque, IA — A 28-year-old male resident of Dubuque was taken into custody early Monday morning following a violent domestic incident that allegedly involved strangulation, false imprisonment, and an unauthorized entry into a residence.
According to authorities, Dequan L. Harris was arrested at approximately 3:15 a.m. on September 15, 2025, in the 2900 block of Central Ave. The arrest was carried out by Officer J. Vauthier of the Dubuque Police Department. Harris faces three serious charges: misdemeanor false imprisonment, domestic abuse assault impeding air or blood flow causing bodily injury, an aggravated misdemeanor and felony first-degree burglary for breaking and entering.
Details of the incident remain limited as the investigation is ongoing, but sources indicate the altercation occurred within a residential setting on Central Avenue, a quiet neighborhood in the city’s north end. The domestic abuse charge specifically alleges that Harris impeded the victim’s ability to breathe or circulate blood, resulting in visible injuries—a serious escalation that elevates the offense to an aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa law. The burglary charge suggests Harris entered the property without permission, potentially compounding the domestic nature of the event.
First-degree burglary, involving entry into an occupied structure with intent to commit an assault, is a Class B felony that could carry a sentence of up to 25 years. False imprisonment, while a simple misdemeanor, adds to the pattern of coercive behavior alleged in the complaint.
Harris was booked into the Dubuque County Jail, where he is being held pending an initial court appearance. No information has been released regarding the victim’s condition or identity, in line with standard protocols for protecting domestic violence survivors.
This arrest comes amid heightened awareness of domestic violence in incidents over the past year, attributing it to increased community reporting and resources. Officials urge anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or local law enforcement immediately.
If your a victim of domestic abuse call Riverview Center Counties in Iowa
Sexual Assault: 888-557-0310
Jo Daviess Co., Illinois
Sexual Assault: 815-777-8155
Domestic Violence: 815-777-3680
Carroll Co., Illinois
Sexual Assault: 815-244-7772
Domestic Violence : 815-244-1320
An Arrest is not an admission of guilt and a subject is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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