IOWA CITY – A dangerous man just committed to University of Iowa Hospitals left the facility and attempted to unholster a police officer’s gun before several people were able to subdue him.
According to Iowa City police, 50-year-old Steven Bradley Willard of Iowa City had been committed to U of I Hospitals by a judge because he was a danger to himself and others. However, Willard “walked away” from the emergency treatment center.
Police were notified and located Willard on highway 6 attempting to hitch hike. Officers approached, and Willard gave them a false name. As officers attempted to establish his identity, Willard attacked the officer. Willard allegedly pushed the officer and reached for the officer’s hand gun, telling the officer he was not going back to prison. Willard was unable to unholster the officer’s weapon. Other persons came to the aid of the officer and Willard was taken to the ground with the help of an off-duty police officer and a civilian.
Willard was subdued and his hands held behind his back. He later told officers he reached for the weapon because he did not want officers to shoot him. The officer sustained minor injuries in the struggle.
Willard , no being held in the Johnson County Jail, was charged with C felony interference with a DCS officer involving a dangerous weapon, felony D attempting to disarming a peace officer, and aggravated misdemeanor assault causing injury on an officer.
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
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