Iowa City man accused of attempting to disarm officer

IOWA CITY - An Iowa City man faces prison time for allegedly attempting to disarm a police officer.

According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Iowa City police were investigating an assault in the 700 block of Mormon Trek Boulevard. Police said an officer saw a man who fit the description of the assault suspect, later identified as 40-year-old Ben R. Jackson.

Police said when the officer activated the lights in his squad car to stop Jackson, Jackson walked into the street and approached the vehicle. The officer stepped out of the vehicle and began to spoke to Jackson. Police said Jackson responded by reaching out his hand and telling the officer to, 'give me your gun.”

Jackson lunged at the officer and said he wanted his gun. Police said the officer stepped back, displayed his Taser and ordered Jackson to the ground. Jackson refused to comply and the officer discharged his Taser.

Police said Jackson removed the Taser prongs and continued after the officer in 'an aggressive manner.” Jackson was stunned several times and still didn't comply with the officer's orders. Officers had to physically fight Jackson in order to take him into custody, according to criminal complaints.

Jackson was arrested and faces charges of disarming a peace officer, a Class D felony; and interference with official acts, a simple misdemeanor.