Photo: Scott County Sheriff's Office
(Davenport, IA) -- A suspended prison sentence and probation for a Rock Island man who crashed his vehicle through a Davenport car dealership in August.
In April, 62 year old Ronald Nicodemus pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal mischief and six counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. Last week, a judge sentenced Nicodemus to 10 years for the criminal mischief charge and two years for each of the assault charges. The sentences run back-to-back for a total of 22 years, however, the judge suspended the sentences and placed Nicodemus on two years of probation. Scott County court records show that if Nicodemus completes probation, he will not have to serve the prison sentence. Nicodemus also was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution.
Davenport Police say Nicodemus went to the dealership, asked for money and a free oil change from employees. The manager declined his request and told him several times to leave. Police Nicodemus then got into his 2011 Chevrolet Cruz and left a parking spot at a high rate of speed, causing the tires to squeal. Investigators say Nicodemus then intentionally crashed his car through the south standard entry doors of the dealership by putting it in reverse and repeatedly colliding with the doors approximately three times before finally gaining access to the building.
Police say he continued to drive through the business, where several employees and customers were present. Nicodemus ran the car into several desks, walls, and one of the dealership’s vehicles. Investigators say he continued through the building and broke through the north exit doors with his front bumper.