Sioux Center, Iowa — A Hull man spent his 22nd birthday in the Sioux County Jail following his arrest in Sioux Center Sunday morning.
According to court records, Sioux Center police observed an unresponsive male in the driver’s seat of a car on 10th Street SE around 5:50 Sunday morning. Authorities say the car was running and in drive at the time and the man allegedly had an open container of alcohol on his lap.
Police say that after multiple attempts to wake the man, who they identify as Jose Hernandez Ortiz, of Hull, he woke up and became combative with officers, refusing to exit his vehicle, then locking his legs inside the car when officers attempted to remove him.
Court records indicate that once Hernandez Ortiz had been removed from the car he is accused of resisting the officers, disobeyed their commands, kicking them and attempting to gain control of both officer’s service pistols during the struggle.
After arriving at the Sioux County Jail, officers say Hernandez Ortiz allegedly continued to resist officers’ commands and remained combative, again allegedly kicking one of the officers.
Hernandez Ortiz faces three felony charges in connection with the incident; 3rd Offense OWI, and two counts of Disarming a Peace Officer, all of which are Class “D” Felonies. In addition, he’s charged with Driving While Barred, an Aggravated Misdemeanor, as well as two counts of Assault on Persons In Certain Occupations, for allegedly kicking the officers. Those charges are Serious Misdemeanors.
Hernandez Ortiz’ arrest came on his 22nd birthday. As of mid-afternoon Tuesday he remained in custody at the Sioux County Jail.
