Iowa City police respond to physical assault at GuideLink Center

IOWA CITY — Law enforcement responded to an incident at GuideLink Center in Iowa City in which a person physically assaulted staff members after walking into the building.

The incident at 300 Southgate Ave. happened around 10:24 a.m. Tuesday, according to the calls for service. The call type is listed as “Dist/Fight in Progress.” The Iowa City Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded.

When officers arrived, the person involved in the assault began to attack them, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. The individual was detained by officers.

The news release said the person accused in the attack left a backpack at the GuideLink Center. The Johnson County Metro Bomb Team removed the “suspicious package,” and the scene has been determined to be safe.

More information about the active investigation will be released as it becomes available, the news release said.

The GuideLink Center will remain closed until 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the news release. The center provides mental health and substance use care for adults.

The center is typically open 24/7 and provides sobering, crisis stabilization, crisis observation and detox services. People can walk in to access services, or be referred by a health care provider or law enforcement.

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