A local man has been charged after allegedly attempting to force a woman to have sex with him.

Vernard Archer, 29, was charged on July 20 with assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.

According to an Iowa City police complaint, officers responded to the area of Keokuk Street to investigate an alleged assault. Investigaters reportedly found that Archer had assaulted a woman before and after trying to get her to have sex with him. The woman reportedly told Archer “no” several times and was able to get away from him. He allegedly struck the left side of her face several times, causing swelling and bruising.

Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse is a Class-D felony.