Coralville man charged after striking staff member in downtown Iowa City bar

Hunter
12/20/23

A Coralville man was arrested over the weekend after allegedly striking a staff member at a downtown Iowa City bar.

The incident occurred at 1:25 am Saturday at the Field House on South Dubuque Street.  38-year-old Baari Arafat of 5th Street was reportedly in the bar with another individual when staff asked them to leave.  He allegedly repeatedly refused staff and ultimately struck one staff member in the face without provocation. He was then physically removed from the bar.

Arafat reportedly told police that he struck the staff member, but stated he was “afraid,” despite the staff having cause to have him and the other individual removed.

Arafat was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct, a simple misdemeanor. A non-jury trial has been set for January 25th.