North Liberty woman arrested for interfering with downtown arrest

Hunter
05/15/23

A North Liberty woman was arrested early Saturday after interfering with the arrest of another woman who was intoxicated.

The incident occurred at around 12:25 am Saturday at ElRay’s Live and Dive on Iowa Avenue.  24-year-old Ke’Erica Williams, who is currently unhoused, was being taken into custody for public intoxication, when 20—year-old Ke’Miylah Rhine of Winchester Lane interjected herself into the arrest.

Police say Rhine repeatedly ignored officer commands to step back, and slapped an officer’s hand when they put their hand on her arm to move her back.  When told she was under arrest, Rhine reportedly resisted, refusing to put her hands behind her back to be handcuffed, and had to be taken into custody by force.

Williams reportedly refused to get into a squad car, and when officers attempted to pull her inside, she allegedly kicked an officer in the shoulder.

Williams was charged with Public Intoxication, Interference with Official Acts, and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations.  Rhine was charged with Interference with Official Acts and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. If convicted on all counts, Williams could get 14 months in jail, while Rhine could get 13 months.

The two were released later Saturday morning, pending further legal proceedings.