Northern Iowa woman arrested after attacking officer with knife

ESTHERVILLE, IOWA – A Northern Iowa woman was arrested this weekend after attacking a police officer with a knife.

On Saturday, April 18, 2020 at approximately 2:30 pm, Estherville Police Officers were called to 421 ½ South 9th Street regarding threats that were made at that residence. It was determined that the suspect had left the residence prior to the officers’ arrival. The suspect had threatened to burn down the house.

The suspect was identified at the scene by the reporting party as 18-year-old Grace Hrbek of Estherville.

An officer had noticed the suspect in question walking in the area prior to his arrival at the residence. The officer went to the location where he had last seen the suspect and confronted her in the 800 Block of South 12th Street. The suspect had a cigarette lighter in her hand. When questioned about he lighter, the suspect stated that she was going to start the grass on fire and made an attempt to light the grass. She also attempted to light her jacket on fire while talking to the officer. Officers spent a considerable amount of time trying to get the female suspect to comply with their directives to drop the lighter. An officer attempted to take control of the suspect and the lighter when the suspect brandished a knife that she had concealed on her person and struck the officer with it in the left forearm. The knife caused a laceration to the officers’ arm. Grace Hrbek was then taken into custody by officers and transported to Avera Holy Family Hospital for an evaluation. She was later transported and booked into the Emmet County Jail on numerous charges.

Grace Hrbek was charged with Willful Injury, a Class C Felony; Assault on a Peace Officer, a Class D Felony; and Going Armed with Intent, a Class D Felony. Hrbek remains in the Emmet County Jail on bond.

The officer was treated at Avera Holy Family Hospital for his injuries and released.