Lang
3/22/20
A cloak-wearing transient upset that Iowa City Police took his “wand” was apparently unable to cast a spell to protect himself against pepper spray.
30-year-old Alexander Torres came to the attention of officers just after noon on March 7th after dispatchers received complaints that he was grabbing women’s’ buttocks and catcalling them near the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Arriving officers found him lying on a bench near the corner of Gilbert and College Streets.
Torres had an approximately three-foot stick within arm’s reach. He became upset when an officer grabbed the stick…which he referred to as his “wand”…and began talking to him.
Torres tried to take the stick back, but was told “no” and told to step back.
Torres allegedly refused further commands to step back and again tried to grab the stick. He was taken to the ground and pepper sprayed before being arrested.
Torres was charged with Assault and Interference with Official Acts. A hearing is set for April 8th.
Two days earlier Torres had been arrested at Shelter House after he was found wearing an early 1900’s University of Iowa College of Nursing cloak he had allegedly stolen from the UI Hospitals and Clinics medical museum.
Torres was arrested last October after trying to break into the Old Capitol. He claimed he was trying to take control of the building and steal documents inside. Torres pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service.