Police in Council Bluffs say a Carter Lake man was arrested Wednesday in connection with an incident at an apartment complex. 33-year old Sunny D. Hazen was charged with 1st Degree Arson, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, Burglary in the 2nd degree, assault on police and medics, eluding, and disobedience to Peace Officers.

Sunny Hazen

His arrest followed an investigation that began at around 3:30-p.m., Wednesday, when Council Bluffs police responded to the River Park Apartment complex at 20 S. 41st Street, for a male subject that was causing damage to several sprinkler heads, of one of the building’s fire suppression system. Officers were eventually able to locate and take the subject – identified as Hazen – into custody on the adjacent golf course.

A further investigation revealed that Hazen had entered the apartment of a female resident who was home at the time. Upon encountering Hazen inside the apartment, the female locked herself in her bedroom, and was not harmed. Inside the apartment building, Hazen ripped several sprinkler heads from the ceiling and used a lighter to activate the system. Damage to the River Park Apartment property is estimated at $5,000 -to $8,000.

Hazen, who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, assaulted three police officers and two fire personnel during the course of his arrest and transport to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. He allegedly bit, scratched and spat on these police and fire officials, none of whom were seriously injured. Each has since returned to regular duty.