(Iowa City, IA – 5:40-p.m.) – Officials with the Iowa City Police Department report one person was arrested following an investigation into a shooting incident that took place early Sunday morning in the Downtown Iowa City Pedestrian Mall. The event resulted in five people being struck by gunfire.
The investigation has shown that at approximately 1:45 a.m., April 19th, 17-year-old Damarian M. Jones, of Cedar Rapids, engaged in a fight in the 100 Block of East College Street in the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Reports to police indicated as many as 40 people were involved. The first responding officer arrived at approximately 1:48 a.m., 45 seconds after being dispatched.
Over the course of the fight, Jones obtained a firearm from another individual. During a break in the fight, Jones walked away from the other combatants, drew the weapon, and fired six times into the crowded Pedestrian Mall. Officers called out shots fired over the radio as participants fled the scene and by 1:50 a.m., the University of Iowa issued a Hawk Alert. As a result of the ongoing investigation, Jones faces the following charges:
Attempted Murder (Five Counts); Willful Injury Assault Causing Serious Injury (Three Counts); Willful Injury Assault Causing Bodily Injury (Two Counts); and Going Armed with Intent.
Of the five people who were struck by gunfire:
- One individual suffered a life-threatening injury to her head and remains in critical condition.
- One victim was struck in the arm and chest cavity, causing serious injuries requiring surgery.
- One victim was struck in the leg, causing serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
- One victim was struck in the side of the stomach, causing bodily injury.
- One victim was struck in both legs, causing bodily injury.
Two of the five victims remained hospitalized as of Wednesday evening. The names of the victims have not been released. The Iowa City Police Department emphasized that none of the victims were the target of the shooting, and there is no reason to believe they were otherwise affiliated with the incident.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, officers from the Iowa City Police Department, University of Iowa Police Department, and University Heights Police Department provided lifesaving care to the shooting victims. They were joined by personnel from the Johnson County Ambulance Service and Iowa City Fire Department.
Less than 90 minutes following the shooting, 14 detectives and three Crime Scene Technicians arrived on scene to process evidence, and interview witnesses and victims. By 3:05 a.m., investigators obtained images of Jones and other persons of interest in the incident.
Over the course of the investigation, police have recovered three firearms, numerous firearm accessories, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Investigators have received more than 150 tips and served nearly three dozen search warrants related to this case.
This remains an open and active investigation and Jones has not been located. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to submit a tip via the Crime Stoppers information below. Additional arrests and charges are expected.
