Police say Coralville woman punched nurse at hospital

A Coralville woman is accused of disorderly conduct and assault on peace officers after police say she punched a nurse in the eye at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Wednesday.

According to reports from University of Iowa police, Ashley Cluney, 19, of 209 Holiday Rd. Apt. 310, was in the hospital where her two-month-old son was being treated, when the Department of Human Services informed her that she was losing custody of her son. Police said Cluney then became agitated and began to yell and curse at people in the room.

When a nurse tried to calm her down, the complaint said Cluney punched the nurse in the face with a closed fist, striking her left eye and causing swelling. Police said Cluney continued to yell until security placed her in a chair to prevent her from causing further injuries.

Assault causing injury on peace officers and others is an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum fine of $6,250. Disorderly conduct is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $625.