UI Police: 300-Pound Man with 'Black-Belt in Aikido' Attacked University Hospital Doctor

A Cedar Rapids man was accused of felony assault for allegedly placing an emergency doctor in a chokehold last month.

According to a University of Iowa Police Department Press release, on Jan. 21 at 4:50 p.m., David Robert Hirvela, 44, of Cedar Rapids attempted to leave the emergency area of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after being admitted. When stopped by a female emergency doctor from going into the lobby, Hirvela allegedly slammed the doctor into the wall and then placed her into a rear choke hold, applying medium pressure that caused the woman "concern and discomfirt."

Witnesses told authorities that Hirvela, the doctor still in the hold, said "I am going to hurt her if you don't open the door." A nearby witness and the victim were eventually able to wrestle Hirvela off, according to the complaint. When more staff were called, Hirvela, listed at 6'02" and 300 pounds in the complaint allegedly claimed to be a black belt in Aikido, and said he was capable of choking doctors out if necessary:

"I just return the favor and choke them (doctors) out with my arms. I'm a pretty big guy." Hirvela is alleged to have said.

Hirvela was booked into the Johnson County Jail on Monday according to online court records. He was released after he was charged for assault on hospital personnel, a Class D Felony.