Members of Ottawa’s Muslim community say a suspect arrested in a violent traffic stop over the weekend had confronted an Ottawa Imam for telling his congregation not to be lured to conflicts overseas, violence and isolation.

“He made it quite clear that he was against this message. That he intimidated to force himself upon our congregation,” says Abdulhakim Moalimishak, President of Assalam Mosque on St. Laurent Blvd.

Moalimishak says they called Ottawa Police after the altercation about a month ago, asking that 39-year-old Luqman Abdunnar be barred from the premises.

Abdunnar was arrested on Saturday after a traffic stop on Bank St. near Heron Rd, turned violent. Police allege an officer was struck in the face and the suspect attempted to flee. Abdunnar was tasered at the scene. Witnesses say a gunshot was also fired by police.

Police say Abdunnar faces charges of assaulting a police officer, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.

There are reports the traffic stop might have been part of a larger RCMP National Security investigation.

Abdunnar’s wife told CTV she believes her husband was set up. In a statement, Erica Marx writes:

“It was clear to all that this was an ambush and he reacted to it as such. In inventing a reason to block off Bank Street, the police decided to say they were nervous about the car, but there wasn’t anything harmful in there…”

Marx also claims her husband never tried to attack the Imam.

“The Imam at Asalaam Mosque was not in any danger from Mr. Abdunnur. There was no threat or attempt at the Imam at all, and when he was told to leave, he left without incident.”

Moalimishak says he would not be surprised if Abdunnar was subject of an RCMP Investigation.

“This individual clearly has given them reason to suspect he is a threat to national security and it is up to the authorities to proceed with their investigation,” he says.