Arturo Alerja, 30,was in the bathroom of Farra's night club using and selling cocaine at 1:04 a.m. Iowa City Police Sgt. Mike Brotherton, who responded to the bar, said the DOC officer was off-duty and not assisting in any police operations.
Sgt. Troy Kelsay said Santiago told the bar staff about what he saw and helped to identify Alerja so the staff could decide what action to take. Kelsay said Santiago did not try to arrest or restrain Alerja. However, when the situation between the bar staff and Alerja escalated and became physical, Santiago helped to restrain him.
When he arrived at the bar, Brotherton said Alerja was agitated, combative and ignoring commands to stop. Alerja assaulted the officers and bit Brotherton on the arm, causing an injury and breaking the skin. Brotherton said the injury did not require stitches.Alerja continued to resist until he was put in a squad car. He then refused to provide his name, date of birth and other information to the police, according to the criminal complaint. Brotherton said he's not even sure Alerja is the suspect's name and they are using finger prints to try to positively identify him."Nobody knows who this guy is," he said.Brotherton said no drugs were found, but he said Santiago saw Alerja snorting cocaine. Alerja was exhibiting symptoms consistent with using a stimulant such as cocaine, Brotherton said.Alerjo was charged with interference with official acts, assault on a peace officer and assault on a peace officer causing bodily injury.
Sgt. Troy Kelsay said Santiago told the bar staff about what he saw and helped to identify Alerja so the staff could decide what action to take. Kelsay said Santiago did not try to arrest or restrain Alerja. However, when the situation between the bar staff and Alerja escalated and became physical, Santiago helped to restrain him.
When he arrived at the bar, Brotherton said Alerja was agitated, combative and ignoring commands to stop. Alerja assaulted the officers and bit Brotherton on the arm, causing an injury and breaking the skin. Brotherton said the injury did not require stitches.Alerja continued to resist until he was put in a squad car. He then refused to provide his name, date of birth and other information to the police, according to the criminal complaint. Brotherton said he's not even sure Alerja is the suspect's name and they are using finger prints to try to positively identify him."Nobody knows who this guy is," he said.Brotherton said no drugs were found, but he said Santiago saw Alerja snorting cocaine. Alerja was exhibiting symptoms consistent with using a stimulant such as cocaine, Brotherton said.Alerjo was charged with interference with official acts, assault on a peace officer and assault on a peace officer causing bodily injury.
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