Washington man charged with domestic abuse and injuring officers during arrest

Hunter
11/01/22

A Washington Iowa man was arrested early Monday morning after a fight with his live-in Iowa City boyfriend.

According to the arrest report, the incident occurred a little after 4:30 am at the Hawk Ridge Apartments. 23-year-old Artez Johnson and the victim reportedly got into an argument over Johnson being intoxicated and flirting with someone. Johnson went outside, followed by the victim. Johnson allegedly became angry, got in the victim’s face and punched him multiple times. At one point, the victim reportedly fell to the ground and Johnson continued the assault.

Police say the man suffered a head injury, a cut finger and a dislocated shoulder.

Johnson reportedly told officers that he had been drinking and admitted to arguing with the victim and, in his words, “tussling.”

Johnson then allegedly turned his aggression on the officers by yelling, getting in their faces, and refusing to cooperate. He also attempted to yell at the victim and have him tell police that nothing happened.

Johnson refused to put his hands behind his back when told he was under arrest, and had to be taken to the ground to gain compliance. Multiple officers were injured during the course of Johnson’s arrest, suffering scrapes and bruises.

Johnson’s post-arrest PBT reportedly showed his blood-alcohol level at .125 percent.

Johnson has been charged with Domestic Abuse causing Bodily Injury, Interference with Official Acts causing Bodily Injury, and Public Intoxication. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to up to 25 months in jail.