Hunter
08/11/25
An Iowa City woman charged with theft last month faces additional charges after allegedly assaulting police officers who were taking her into custody.
18-year-old Brooklyn Morataya of North Liberty was at a business on the 200 block of East Washington Street the afternoon of July 15th and was reportedly observed by staff selecting a skirt and shirt and concealing them up her shirt before leaving the store without paying. Surveillance video also allegedly caught Morataya in the act.
A warrant was issued for her arrest, and officers caught up with her Friday evening in North Liberty. They placed her under arrest, and she reportedly began to kick, spit and fight with two officers and kicked a third. She had to be physically placed in the back of the patrol car.
Morataya was charged with 5th degree Theft, interference with official acts, and 3 counts of Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. If convicted on all counts, she faces a prison sentence of up to over 6 years.