Iowa City woman used crowbar, shovel in threats, police say

An Iowa City woman is in custody after attempting to attack her cousin and an arresting officer early Sunday morning.

According to criminal complaints, officers responded to 2401 Highway 6 for a burglary report at 1:55 a.m. Upon arrival, the victim told police her cousin entered her apartment and tried to attack her with a “crowbar.”

The woman identified her cousin as 28-year-old Zaneta N. Luciano. The victim said Luciano entered her apartment with several other people, who attacked the victim's boyfriend when he answered the door. They allegedly punched the man, injuring his upper lip, and kicked him in the groin, police said.

After gathering information from the victim, officers were led to Broadway Street, where Luciano lives, to tow Luciano's vehicle. Police said Luciano then came running out of her home, shouting at officers. Luciano allegedly had slurred speech, smelled of alcohol and had poor coordination. They added she had difficulty following directions.

Officers found a tire iron in Luciano's vehicle matching the description of the tool used in the attack.

Luciano was arrested for the burglary and taken to the police department for further questioning. Police said when Luciano was left in the interview room alone, she began throwing items around the room, including a snow shovel and windshield fluid. When an officer came back into the room, Luciano allegedly raised the shovel to strike the officer. She continued to kick at and scratch the officer after being taken to the ground, police said.

Luciano was charged with first-degree burglary, a class B felony; going armed with intent, a class D felony; assault on a police officer causing injury, an aggravated misdemeanor; and public intoxication, a simple misdemeanor.

She in being held in the Johnson County Jail on a $21,000 cash only bond.