UI student arrested after allegedly punching woman in the face

Lang
9/1/21

A University of Iowa student is accused of punching a woman in the face during an altercation in downtown Iowa City early Wednesday morning.

Iowa City Police were called to a fight involving several subjects at the corner of Burlington and Dubuque Streets just after 2:15am. Officers located one of the suspects, 19-year-old William O’Brien of North Clinton Street, nearby. He allegedly ran when approached by police, but was quickly captured.

A woman identified O’Brien as the man she said punched her in the face, causing pain. She also claimed O’Brien had been violent and disorderly towards others before punching her.

O’Brien allegedly showed signs of intoxication and was in possession of a fake Illinois driver’s license. He’s charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, Interference with Official Acts and Possession of a Fake ID. If convicted on all charges, O’Brien faces a maximum of over two years in jail.