Coralville Police arrest man seeking “revenge” on law enforcement after officer attacked during investigation

Lang
7/8/21

Coralville Police have arrested a man they say sought revenge on law enforcement by attacking an officer who was conducting an investigation.

The officer responded to a report of a suspicious subject looking at cars in the Coralville Used Car Superstore parking lot on The Coralville Strip just before 1am Wednesday. According to arrest records, the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Franco Rodriguez, told the arriving officer, “You don’t want to do this” as the officer made initial contact. Rodriguez was reportedly irate and charged at the squad car with a closed fist, preventing the officer from opening his car door.  Rodriguez allegedly tried to take a swing at the officer and was tasered. He then fled the area, but was captured by assisting officers later that morning and booked into the Johnson County Jail just before 5am. Rodriguez allegedly told arresting officers that he was seeking “revenge” on law enforcement, and if he’d had a gun, he would have used it. He was also found in possession of a metal pipe containing burnt marijuana residue.

Rodriguez was also wanted for an incident last spring at the Super 7 motel on Hayden Fry Way, which he lists as his residence. Police say that just after 9:30pm on May 25th, motel staff discovered Rodriquez knocking on the window of another room, causing damage to the screen. He allegedly told arriving officers he refused to leave, and he had to be taken into custody by force. At one point, Rodriquez allegedly kicked an officer in the head.

Rodriquez is charged with Assault With Intent to Injure Police Officers, Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations, 1st Degree Harassment, Interference with Official Acts Causing Injury, Interference with Official Acts, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trespassing. If convicted on all charges, Rodriguez faces a maximum of over nine years in prison.