Transient accused of hugging, licking downtown Iowa City coffee shop employee without her permission

Lang
11/23/24

A local transient is accused of hugging and licking a downtown Iowa City coffee shop employee without her permission.

Employees at Starbucks on South Clinton Street had reported to Iowa City Police that 43-year-old Zarif Muhammad had been causing problems for employees for the last several days. Just before 7:15 on the night of November 15th one employee was taking out the garbage around closing time when Muhammad allegedly approached her behind the store and asked her to shake his hand. The two did shake hands, but then Muhammad allegedly grabbed the woman’s hand and kissed and licked it. He then reportedly hugged the woman and kissed and licked her neck before she could push him away.

Muhammad is charged with Assault. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 days in jail.

Trial is set for January 22nd.