Cedar Rapids man fights police, is Tasered, when stopped for drunk driving

Justin L. Wisner fought with police early Wednesday as they arrested him for drunken driving, adding assault and interference charges to the drunk-driving and drug counts, according to court documents.

The incident began about 1:30 a.m. when officers on patrol spotted a man revving his motorcycle's engine in the parking lot of Dancer's Ranch, 3000 Sixth St. SW, police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said. When the man, later identified as Wisner, saw the officers, he got off the cycle and re-entered the bar as they approached.

Wisner came back outside as the squad car turned around behind the building, got back on the cycle and rode off, Hamblin said. Now following Wisner, officers could see the cycle lacked a light over the license plate, and a check of the registration showed he doesn't have a motorcycle license.

Wisner pulled into the Gateway Gardens apartment complex in the 2900 block of Sixth Street SW as officers activated their flashing lights. Hamblin said he was “verbally and physically aggressive towards officers with his posturing” and kept his hands in his jacket pockets despite orders to put them up.

Wisner fought with the officers, whose attempts to stun him with a Taser failed because its barbs couldn't be accurately placed, Hamblin said. The officers then placed the Taser directly to Wisner as they placed him in handcuffs.

Wisner was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for an examination before being taken to jail.

Wisner, 35, of 1051 29th Ave. SW, is charged with drunken driving, assault on a peace officer for punching Officer Daniel Kent in the stomach, interference with official acts causing injury for injuring Officer Nathan Gaughan's leg, unlawful possession of prescription drugs for having an unlabelled bottle of Alprazolam, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wisner remains in jail in lieu of $10,500 cash bail.