Lang
3/15/20
An Iowa City Police officer was injured on the Ped Mall early Sunday morning while trying to arrest a Cedar Rapids woman who demanded he say “please” while trying to get her into the back of his squad car.
Officers observed a fight in front of The Union Bar just after 1:30am. According to arrest records, 19-year-old Peighton Rahija of 19th Street Southeast was holding another woman by the hair and repeatedly punching her. Police tried to break up the fight, but they say Rahija continued to kick the other woman as she was being pulled away.
Rahija then allegedly tried to run from the scene, but was captured after a brief foot chase. Police say she showed multiple signs of intoxication, and registered a .143% on a portable Breathalyzer test.
One officer sustained an injury to his knee and damaged his uniform while trying to arrest Rahija. She allegedly resisted being transferred between police cars, demanding officers say “please” . Rahija was eventually pulled into the second car, but not before the officer whose knee was injured also cut a finger.
Rahija is charged with Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, Interference With Official Acts and Interference With Official Acts Causing Bodily Injury. If convicted on all charges, she faces a maximum of 15 months in jail.