Lang
5/9/21
An Iowa City woman allegedly told police it was okay to assault staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and not get in trouble. She was wrong, and she was arrested on a felony assault charge Saturday morning.
Coralville Police say 30-year-old Kristen Castillo was arrested for 5th Degree Theft and Trespassing after trying to shoplift over $90 in merchandise from the Lantern Park Hy-Vee around 10am Saturday. Castillo was wanted on a warrant for an April 30th incident at the UIHC where she allegedly kicked a nurse in the chest while being restrained. She later told police, “Everyone knows you can assault staff and not get into trouble”.
A doctor noted that Castillo often lashes out physically at hospital staff specifically so she can be sedated. She also claimed to be homeless while at the UIHC, but records from Saturday’s shoplifting arrest indicate she actually lives in the Lake Ridge manufactured housing community.
Castillo is charged with a felony count of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. If convicted, she faces a maximum of five years in prison.