Lang
5/5/25
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Cedar Rapids man they say dangled a four-year-old child over the Iowa River.
Witnesses say 26-year-old Devin Cariens Hook of Westwood Drive NW was in a physical fight with other individuals at the Tailwater West Campground near the Coralville Lake dam just before 7:00 Sunday night. One of the other parties was the mother of Cariens Hook’s daughter. An investigation determined the fight started because Cariens Hook was dangling the four-year-old over the water at the end of a floating dock. The mother later told deputies that Cariens Hook was having trouble keeping his balance and she feared he would let the child fall into the river.
Deputies say Cariens Hook showed signs of intoxication. A breath sample of the air near his mouth registered a breath alcohol level of .129%.
Cariens Hook is charged with Child Endangerment and Public Intoxication. If convicted on both counts, he faces a maximum of 25 months in jail.