A Mediapolis man has been arrested following an assault on a nurse earlier this month
On February 5, 2026, deputies with the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 142 North Orchard Street in Mediapolis for a report of a nurse who had been assaulted by a resident.
Authorities say Erik Creighton Bienfang, 28, of Mediapolis allegedly struck the nurse in the face and choked them, causing bodily injury. Deputies also learned that prior to the assault, Bienfang reportedly locked himself in a room with the nurse and refused to allow them to leave.
Following the incident, Bienfang fled the residence on foot but was located a short distance away and taken into custody without further incident.
He was transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center and charged with false imprisonment and assault on persons in certain occupations causing bodily injury.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.