The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Officers tase man after finding him with 26 inch blade

Iowa City police reportedly Tasered a local man after he fought with officers, who found him with a "fantasy sword."

Deandre Lamar Irby, 19, 737 Michael St. Apt. 51, was charged April 29 with going armed with a knife blade, carrying weapons into a park, and interference with official acts.

According to complaints, police allegedly spotted Irby rollerblading through the Pedestrian Mall with a large sword attached to his backpack around 3:30 p.m., prompting him to flee to an alley.

When officers located him, the complaints said Irby allegedly tried to hide the 26-inch blade behind a Dumpster, refused to identify himself, and admitted he did not have a concealed weapons permit.

Complaints said Irby then allegedly tried to grab the sword and run, then fought with police until he was Tasered.

— by Hayley Bruce

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