UI student arrested for launching full soda can at officer from fifth floor

IOWA CITY - A University of Iowa student was arrested this week for allegedly throwing full pop cans at a police officer in September.

According to a criminal complaint, an Iowa City Police Officer was conducting an OWI investigation in front of Mayflower Residence Hall, 1100 N. Dubuque Street. During the investigation, police said a person allegedly threw a full pop can from the fifth floor of the residence hall, hitting the officer's squad car. Police said the vehicle was only a few feet away from where the officer and the other driver were standing.

Moments later, the person, later identified as 19-year-old Ryan J. Jansa, allegedly hurled another pop which again landed a few feet away from the officer. Police said a dashboard camera video shows the first can bouncing off the hood of the squad car.

Jansa allegedly continued to yell and threw a full bottle of water at the officer. Police said Jansa admitted to throwing the pop cans and told police he was “extremely intoxicated” at the time.

Jansa was charged with assault with a weapon on a peace officer, fifth-degree criminal mischief, obstruction and littering. The assault charge is a class-D felony and carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and a $7,500 fine.