Hunter
03/18/21
An Iowa City man who was in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has been arrested after his release for allegedly punching a health care provider in the face.
Police say the incident occurred on February 22nd at the Emergency Department, where 31-year-old Kyle Messerle was being treated. He reportedly left his assigned room and was found in the lobby of the ER that morning. After a long conversation with staff and police officers, he agreed to go back to his room. Staff offered him a shot and he refused, saying he would take a pill but not a shot. During the conversation, Messerle is accused of punching a health care worker in the face in front of a police officer.
He was restrained, and allegedly told the man, “Eff you bitch, that’s what a real punch feels like from a guy who throws a hard right.” The worker was struck next to his left eye and complained of redness and pain.
Messerle was released from the hospital this week, and police arrested him. He was released on his own recognizance and has been charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations causing Bodily Injury, an Aggravated Misdemeanor punishable by a jail sentence of up to two years if convicted.