Sioux City Man Gets 10 Years for Violent Storm Lake Assault

Colten Stroman broke through a locked door on East Milwaukee Avenue, assaulted a Storm Lake woman badly enough to fracture the bones in her face, and threatened to kill another man with a knife along the way. On March 9, Judge Charles Borth sentenced the 30-year-old Sioux City resident to up to 10 years in the Iowa Department of Corrections for willful injury, a Class C felony.

Storm Lake Police Department officers responded to the apartment complex in the 1700 block of East Milwaukee Ave. just before 10 p.m. on December 3. Investigators said Stroman had been intoxicated and arguing with a woman inside the apartment before the confrontation escalated. He left the apartment during the dispute, displayed a knife outside, and threatened to kill a male victim who was also at the complex. He then forced his way back in, breaking through a locked door, and assaulted the woman in front of two minor children. She was transported by ambulance to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, where she was treated for broken facial bones.

Officers found Stroman still inside the apartment when they arrived. He resisted arrest but was subdued and taken into custody.

Stroman had initially been charged with a broader set of offenses, including first-degree burglary, assault while participating in a felony, domestic assault, and child endangerment. The Buena Vista County Attorney's Office ultimately pursued the willful injury charge, which carries a maximum 10-year prison term. Assistant County Attorney Ashley Herrig prosecuted the case.

Following sentencing, Stroman was transferred to state custody.