Suspect in UIHC assaults arrested after allegedly trying to disarm a police officer

Lang
3/24/23

University of Iowa Police have arrested a suspect in two assaults at the UI Hospitals and Clinics after she allegedly tried to disarm an officer.

41-year-old Liberty Holland of East Burlington Street was wanted on a warrant when UI Police saw her walking down the middle of Newton Road, blocking traffic, just after 11am Thursday. Holland reportedly moved to the side of the road, then walked back into the road when informed she had a warrant for her arrest. An altercation ensued, and Holland is accused of trying to pull the officer’s firearm from its holster multiple times, then trying to take his Taser. She was eventually subdued when another officer arrived.

Holland was wanted by police after a series of incidents at the UIHC last month. On the morning of February 6th, she allegedly approached another patient in the behavioral health unit from behind and covered their mouth and nose in an attempt to silence them. The incident was caught on surveillance video.

The next day, Holland allegedly picked up a chair in the common area of 7 Roy Carver South and threw it at a staff member. She also allegedly tried to strike and bite UIHC staffers.

Holland is charged with Disarming a Peace Officer and two counts each of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations and Disorderly Conduct. If convicted on all charges, she faces a maximum of over seven years in prison.