Man accused of choking patient in bed at Iowa City hospital

A 24-year-old Grundy Center man was arrested Tuesday after University of Iowa police said he choked a patient who was in a hospital bed at UI Hospitals and Clinics.

While laying next to a patient on Tuesday, Lucas D. Cooper is accused of placing “high pressure” on the victim's throat and chin with his hand, according to a criminal complaint. He then allegedly put his other hand over the victim's nose and mouth, police reported.

Cooper, according to police, used force on the victim, choking that person, causing a headache and dizziness. The victim had a neck scratch and a sore throat, police reported.

Cooper was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic assault – strangulation. He's being held in the Johnson County Jail in lieu of a $15,000 cash-only bond.