Hiawatha woman accused of plugging UIHC toilet, causing over $1,000 in damage

Lang
3/22/25

A Hiawatha woman is accused of plugging a toilet at University of Iowa Health Care Downtown, causing over $1,000 in damage.

UI Police were called to the former Mercy Hospital on East Market Street at about 11:30 Thursday night after 45-year-old Christy Barlow of B Avenue allegedly intentionally plugged a toilet and sink, flooding adjacent hallways and offices and leaking into the floor below. Damage is estimated at over $1,500.

Security video reportedly captured Barlow in the area of the restroom at the time of the incident.
Barlow was later taken into custody near the scene of a separate criminal mischief report. She allegedly admitted to damaging the UIHC Downtown restroom.

Barlow was booked into the Johnson County Jail just before 4:45 Friday morning and charged with 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted, she faces a maximum of five years in prison.