When a drunk Iowa father reportedly put his daughter in danger, several witnesses came to her rescue. Devin Cariens Hook, 26, allegedly dangled his 4-year-old daughter over a floating dock at Coralville Reservoir in Iowa City. The frightening incident reportedly prompted a fight between the child’s mother and several other people. Deputies from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Cariens Hook, who faces multiple charges.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by KCRG, Cariens Hook allegedly dangled the child over the water on May 4, 2025. The child’s mother and several others began fighting with Cariens Hook, who was allegedly intoxicated. The woman left the area before deputies arrived. She reportedly said Cariens Hook had a hard time keeping his balance. The mom feared he would drop their child into the water.
When police arrived, Cariens Hook allegedly refused to provide a breath sample, but police noted the “ambient air near his mouth” indicated an elevated alcohol level. Additionally, Cariens Hook reportedly smelled of alcohol, slurred his speech, and had bloodshot eyes.
Cariens Hook took to social media following his arrest to express his love for his daughter.
“Yk I love you the most no matter what stories you get told. Yk ima beat this shii Yk daddy gon do what daddy gots to do to get back with you. i could say im sorry a million times but i let this s— happen,” he wrote on Facebook. “I got the fight of gods strongest soldiers I refuse to see defeat when it comes to you ima do better ima be better ima go harder. My Punkey Melly.”
Several people supported him in the comments.
“U got this son keep that head held up and you can do this only a bump in the road Punky knows you love her very much!!! I love you,” one person wrote.
“keep that big ass head held up high frfr bro we all know you love her and she knows it too i love you bro,” someone else agreed.
Cariens Hook is facing charges of child endangerment and public intoxication, KCRG reported.
