Hunter
06/08/2025
An Iowa City man who allegedly caused a disturbance at a downtown store was arrested Friday night.
The incident occurred at Hawkeye Smoke & Liquor on East College Street just before 10pm. 26-year-old Edwardo Cardenas was called in for allegedly being aggressive and refusing to leave. An Iowa City Police officer arrived and made contact with Cardenas, who reportedly had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, unsteady balance and the odor of alcohol on his breath. The arrest report also indicated Cardenas had impaired decision making abilities. He reportedly refused to identify himself, and was taken into custody on a Public Intoxication charge.
Cardenas then allegedly became resistive and refused to get into a waiting squad car. He was forced in by police. When they arrived at the Johnson County Jail, Cardenas then allegedly got his handcuffed hands in front of him and attempted to strangle himself with the seat belt in the car. He was taken out of the vehicle, but because he continued to be physically resistive, he was forced back into the patrol car.
Once inside the Johnson County Jail, Cardenas continued to be physically resistive, and kicked jail deputies in the arm multiple times.
Cardenas faces additional charges of Interference with Official Acts and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. He could be sentenced to up to 14 months in jail if convicted on all counts.