Injured Suspect Accused of Assaulting Tipton Police Officer at UIHC

33-year-old Spencer Mullett allegedly spit in officer's face while receiving treatment

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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An injured suspect in the custody of Tipton Police is accused of attacking an officer while being treated at the University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) Emergency Department. Mullett had been arrested in Tipton for public intoxication and was transported to UIHC for a head wound, where he allegedly spit in a Tipton Police officer's face. Mullett was physically restrained by officers.

Why it matters

Assaults on law enforcement officers are a serious concern, especially when suspects are already in custody receiving medical treatment. This incident raises questions about security protocols at medical facilities when handling potentially volatile suspects.

The details

According to reports, UI Police were called to the UIHC Emergency Department on Grand Avenue just after 7:45 pm on February 5th after Tipton Police reported an issue with 33-year-old Spencer Mullett. Mullett had been arrested in Tipton for public intoxication and was being treated at UIHC for a head wound when he allegedly spit in a Tipton Police officer's face while at the triage station. Mullett reportedly had to be physically taken to the ground in order to comply with commands.

  • The incident occurred on the evening of February 5th, 2026.
  • Mullett was charged on Friday after the public intoxication charge was dropped in Cedar County.

The players

Spencer Mullett

A 33-year-old man from Lemon Street who was arrested by Tipton Police for public intoxication and later accused of assaulting a Tipton Police officer while receiving treatment at UIHC.

Tipton Police

The law enforcement agency that arrested Mullett for public intoxication and transported him to UIHC, where the alleged assault on one of their officers occurred.

University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC)

The medical facility where Mullett was receiving treatment and where the alleged assault on the Tipton Police officer took place.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Spencer Mullett out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for robust security protocols at medical facilities to protect staff and officers when handling potentially volatile suspects, even those already in custody.