A Cedar Rapids man has been arrested after allegedly attacking a doctor working in the emergency room at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

David Hirvela, 44, was charged Jan. 21 with assault with intent of injury.

Hirvela attempted to leave the UIHC emergency room after being admitted. When the emergency doctor on duty did not allow him to leave, he allegedly charged the doctor. Hirvela reportedly slammed the physician into the wall and door, then put him iun a choke hold, the police complaint said.

A witness and the physician managed to pull off Hirvela and restrain him after calling for help.

— by Rebecca Morin