UI Police: UIHC employee punched card reader in frustration causing over $1,500 in damage

Lang
8/31/19

Punching an electronic card reader in frustration and causing over $1,500 in damage has led to the arrest of an employee of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

UI Police say 32-year-old John Blodgett of Ainsworth was unable to get his card to work while trying to enter the Finkbine Commuter Lot just after 7am on August 20^th. Blodgett later told police it was the fourth time his card failed to work, so he became frustrated and punched the electronic card reader, destroying its face. Damage is estimated at $1,509.25.

University records show Blodgett is an area mechanic at the UIHC.

Blodgett was booked into the Johnson County Jail at 6am Friday and charged with 2^nd Degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in prison.