Johnson County Jail: Man Who Bum Rushed Deputies Shocked with Taser

An Iowa City man is now facing an additional two misdemeanor charges after he allegedly sprang from his holding cell in the Johnson County Jail and attempted to strike nearby deputies.

According to a criminal complaint from the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, Christopher James Lenz, 38, of Iowa City was in a holding cell in the jail at 1:55 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. When deputies opened the door Lenz allegedly burst out and pushed one of the deputies against the wall. He then allegedly attempted to punch another deputy but did not connect with his punch, according to police.

Lenz then continued to fight deputies, ignoring all orders to desist, until he was subdued by a Taser, according to the criminal complaint.

According to online records, Lenz was already in jail on an assault on a peace officer or others charge, a serious misdemeanor; interference with official acts, a serious misdemeanor; and separate disarming a police officer charge, a Class D Felony that carries a $8,000 bond with it. The jail assault will come with two more assault on a peace officer charges.

Lenz has a long criminal record in the county according to online court records, with most of the charges being misdemeanors. He also pleaded guilty in cases involving felony robbery, burglary, and drug charges.