Hunter
04/06/24
An area transient was taken into custody after allegedly refusing to leave a downtown Iowa City hotel.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning at the Chauncey on East College Street. 54-year-old Betty Mwangi had a previous trespass warning for the establishment from March 24th and was asked to leave the building multiple times by staff and police. She was also given an opportunity to move to the lower level of the building but again reportedly refused to do so.
When told she was under arrest, Mwangi allegedly threw herself to the floor and refused to walk under her own power. She reportedly had to be lifted up to be removed from the site, and when searched allegedly attempted to kick an officer multiple times.
Mwangi was charged with Trespass, Interference with Official Acts, and Assault on a Peace Officer. She could be sentenced to up to 13 months in jail if convicted on all counts.