Adair Man Arrested for Attempted Murder

Cristian Ortiz accused of kidnapping and assaulting victim while searching for his son

Mar. 24, 2026 at 3:36pm

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A 33-year-old Adair, Iowa man named Cristian Ortiz has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and other offenses after allegedly assaulting a victim who he had asked for a ride, then stealing the victim's car and running them over before pulling them back into the vehicle.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the potential for escalation when a perpetrator is searching for a missing child. It also raises concerns about public safety in the Adair community and the need for stronger interventions to prevent such violent acts.

The details

According to court documents, on March 14th, Ortiz asked the victim to pick him up from a gas station in Adair. During the drive, Ortiz allegedly punched the victim in the head while demanding to know the location of his son. The victim stopped the car and exited, at which point Ortiz took the vehicle and left. Ortiz then reportedly hit the victim, pinned them to a bridge, and ran them over after they fell to the ground. Ortiz then allegedly grabbed the victim and forced them back into the car, but the victim was able to escape and call 911 from a nearby bar.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 14th at 11:23pm.
  • Ortiz was arrested and booked into the Adair County Jail, where he remains under a $25,000 bond.

The players

Cristian Ortiz

A 33-year-old Adair, Iowa resident who has been charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and other offenses related to the March 14th incident.

Adair County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Ortiz and is investigating the case.

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What they’re saying

“Ortiz claimed he was trying to get his son, who he said was missing.”

— Cristian Ortiz

“The victim told police that the child was taken to a safe place out of fear of Ortiz.”

— Victim

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Ortiz's bond and whether he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This violent incident underscores the need for greater awareness and intervention around domestic violence cases, especially when children are involved. It also highlights the importance of community safety and the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to such escalating situations.