Iowa City woman accused of assaulting bus driver with ice scraper

IOWA CITY - An Iowa City woman is accused of assaulting a bus driver with an ice scraper.

Officers were called to a stopped Iowa City Transit bus in the 2400 block of Highway 6 East around 2:35 p.m. Saturday for a report of an out-of-control person, later identified as Diana D. Rivera, 26. When an officer arrived, he saw a broken-out window and metal ice scraper with a 4-foot handle.

Police said that as they approached the bus, they saw Rivera throwing a backpack at another woman. As an officer entered the bus, Rivera took a swing at him with the ice scraper. She was taken into custody after being ordered to the ground by the officer, who had drawn a Taser on her.

Police said Rivera threatened the bus driver with the ice scraper by trying to stab the driver with the metal end of the scraper. Rivera also kicked a female passenger and broke the back door of the bus. Rivera did an estimated $2,800 in damage to the bus, police said.

Rivera was arrested and faces charges of assault causing bodily injury, second-degree criminal mischief, assault with a weapon and assault on peace officers. She remains in custody at the Johnson County Jail.

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com