Hunter
02/24/21
An Iowa City woman who was told that she would have to move out of a residence provided for her by an assistance program allegedly reacted by assaulting one person and locking herself inside when police arrived.
Arrest reports indicate that 22-year-old Hannah Turley of East Bloomington Street was visited by two individuals from the assistance program Tuesday morning around 10:30 to inform her of the decision to move her out of the residence. Turley allegedly became enraged and punched one of the visitors in the face, then blocked both of them from leaving the residence. She reportedly told them that they could not leave.
One of the individuals sent a text to a co-worker, who called 911. When officers arrived, Turley reportedly locked the door, telling the victims that no one was coming or going, allegedly arming herself with a steak knife.
Officers eventually made contact with Turley, who denied arming herself, but initially told officers that she wouldn’t let the victims leave because she didn’t like leaving things unresolved. She also told the victims that she would burn down the house and their place of business.
Turley’s six month and two year old children were present for the entire incident. She allegedly was holding the 2-year-old in her arms at one point in the incident while she was holding the knife.
An audio recording made by one of the victims allegedly has Turley telling the victims “Don’t move or I will hurt you” as she locked the door to arriving police. She’s also heard threatening to hurt the victims several times.
Turley was arrested and charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury, 1st Degree Harassment, Assault while displaying a Dangerous Weapon, Child Endangerment, and the most serious charge, 3rd degree Kidnapping. If convicted on all counts, she could be sentenced to up to 17 years in prison.
