An eastern Iowa woman has been accused of attacking a coworker at a Coralville hotel.  

Maria Tlatenchi, 37, of Columbus Junction was charged Sunday with assault causing bodily injury and obstruction of emergency communications.

According to a law-enforcement complaint, Tlatenchi was involved in altercation with a fellow employee while working at the Coralville Comfort Suites Hotel, 2431 James St.

After hearing another unnamed employee speaking at work, Tlatenchi confronted her while she was sitting down. Shortly after, an altercation broke out between the two employees.

In response to the altercation, the other employee pulled out her cell phone to attempt to call the police, but Tlatenchi took the phone and prevented the call.

At the end of the altercation, the other employee suffered scratches on her neck.

Assault causing bodily injury and obstruction of emergency communications are both serious misdemeanors.