Lang
6/1/25
Iowa City Police say they were forced to pepper spray and Taser a suspect who punched a police officer.
29-year-old Shopan Bilal was wanted for reportedly failing to appear for a probation revocation hearing on Thursday. Bilal had been given a deferred judgment on a charge of Assault Causing Bodily Injury in 2023. He’s accused of violating his probation in the case in June of 2024.
Officers caught up with Bilal near the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Arthur Street just before 5:45 Saturday night. Bilal allegedly tried to flee when told he was under arrest. Police say at one point during the chase, Bilal planted his feet, turned around, and punched an officer in the arm. Bilal was pepper sprayed and Tasered before finally being taken into custody.
Bilal is now charged with Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations and Interference With Official Acts for Saturday’s actions. If convicted on both counts, he faces a maximum of 13 months in jail.
The original assault charge came after Bilal sucker-punched a subject who was kneeling while leading a prayer at the Iowa City Mosque on West Benton Street.