Transient fined after Iowa City Police say he threatened to stab bar patrons with needles

Lang
11/2/24

A transient has been fined after Iowa City Police say he threatened to stab downtown bar patrons with needles.

Officers were called to the entrance of Brothers on the Ped Mall just before 11:45 last Saturday night for a report of a male threatening people waiting in line to get inside by acting as if he was going to poke them with needles in his possession. The suspect, 40-year-old Ryan Ward, was found passed out on a bench outside the bar. Police say he showed signs of intoxication, and a glass smoking device with residue was found on his person.

Ward was charged with Public Intoxication and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He pleaded guilty to both charges on Monday and was given credit for time served and fined $210.