Lang
4/19/20
An arraignment date has been set for a transient who allegedly stole a 1900’s era nurse’s cloak and wore it while staying at Shelter House, then fought with police officers who tried to take what he called his “wand”.
According to arrest records, 30-year-old Alexander Torres was seen wearing the turn-of-the century University of Iowa College of Nursing cloak at Shelter House on March 5th.
Police executed a search warrant and found the cloak in his backpack, as well as a 1925 hypodermic needle and pain management kit containing an unknown medication. The items were reported stolen in a February burglary at the UIHC medical museum.
Torres was also found in possession of a pry bar.
Torres was arrested and charged with 3rd Degree Burglary and Possession of Burglar’s Tools. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of four years in prison. On Friday Judge Jason Burns set an arraignment date of May 11th.
Earlier this week Judge Karen Egerton set a initial appearance date of July 31st for a different case involving Torres. On March 7th 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”.
A struggle for the stick ensued, and Torres was taken to the ground and pepper sprayed. He was charged with Assault and Interference with Official Acts.
Torres was also 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.