Lang
7/27/25
A transient is accused of assaulting and injuring an Iowa City Police officer on the Ped Mall.
According to arrest reports, just after 12:45 Saturday morning an officer saw 31-year-old Jamal Cotton was in an “aggressive” argument with other people in Black Hawk Park near the intersection of Washington and Dubuque Streets. The officer told the group to stop, but Cotton allegedly refused. Police say he showed signs of intoxication.
As he was being taken into custody, Cotton reportedly elbowed the officer in the face, breaking his glasses and causing a contusion below the officer’s eye.
Cotton is now charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations Causing Injury, Interference With Official Acts Causing Injury, Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, and 4th Degree Criminal Mischief. If convicted on all counts, Cotton faces a maximum of over seven years in prison.