Coralville man who allegedly assaulted state trooper in 2021 arrested

Hunter
3/28/24

A Coralville man who allegedly tried to harm himself by taking depressants and getting behind the wheel and assaulted an officer who attempted to help him has been arrested on multiple charges stemming from the 2021 incident.

A state trooper stopped to help a vehicle being driven by then 19-year-old Justin Sydnes of Boston Way on November 18th of that year. He was reportedly in the east ditch of northbound I380 near the two mile marker and was still sitting behind the wheel.

The trooper observed multiple injuries to Sydnes and attempted to offer aid while asking him what happened. While being treated, Sydnes allegedly assaulted the trooper, using a gardening spade that he had concealed in one hand, and with a closed fist in the other. He also reportedly attempted to disarm the trooper by taking his pistol, all the while continually striking him with the garden spade. Sydnes allegedly ignored commands to drop the spade and stop the assault.

He later indicated that he had driven off the road intentionally in an effort to harm himself, and had taken a combination of codeine syrup, marijuana and Xanax before the incident.

An arrest warrant was issued in March 2022; he was taken into custody Tuesday. Sydnes was charged with OWI first offense, Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations with the use of a Weapon, Possession of Dangerous Weapons while under the Influence, Interference with Official Acts while using a Dangerous Weapon, Willful Injury causing Bodily Injury, and Disarming a Peace Officer. If convicted on all counts, he could be sentenced to a maximum 22 years in prison.