Investigators are disputing a claim by University of Iowa public safety director David Visin that they harassed his hospitalized stepson with questions about whether Visin was involved in a hit-and-run.

David Visin is accused of interfering with the investigation into the June 25 accident involving stepson Sean Crane. The revelation has raised questions about Visin’s ability to oversee the UI police and exposed tensions between him and local law enforcement leaders.

Visin says that officers “badgered” Crane in his hospital room with questions about Visin and Crane told them “the truth, that I knew nothing.”

An Iowa City Police Department spokesman says an officer interviewed Crane, but there’s no indication Visin ever came up. Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said no deputies went to the hospital.