Authorities Search for 17-Year-Old Suspect in Iowa City Shooting that Injured Five
A night of violence near the University of Iowa campus left five people shot, three of them students, as police search for a teenage suspect.
The Iowa City Police Department is seeking Damarian M. Jones, a 17-year-old from Cedar Rapids, in connection with a shooting that erupted in a nightlife district early Sunday morning. The incident occurred in the 100 block of East College Street.
Incident Timeline
Officers responded to reports of a large fight involving up to 40 people at approximately 1:46 a.m. on Sunday. As they arrived, they heard gunfire. The University of Iowa issued a Hawk Alert at 1:51 a.m. , warning the public to stay away from the area. First responders were on the scene by 2:03 a.m.
The pedestrian mall was closed for several hours and reopened Sunday afternoon. Additional university police officers will now be assigned to the downtown beat.
Victims
Five people were shot and injured. University of Iowa President Barb Wilson confirmed that three of the victims are university students.
Current Conditions:
- One victim is in critical condition with a life-threatening head injury
- One victim is hospitalized in stable condition
- Three victims have been released from the hospital
Injuries Sustained:
- Gunshot wound to the arm and chest (required surgery)
- Gunshot wound to the leg (required multiple surgeries)
- Gunshot wound to the stomach
- Gunshot wounds to both legs
Officers at the scene provided CPR, and one officer applied a tourniquet and transported a victim to the hospital in a squad car.
No victims have been publicly identified.
Suspect and Investigation
Police Chief Dustin Liston stated that Jones allegedly engaged in a fight, obtained a firearm from another individual, walked away from the crowd, and fired six shots into the crowded pedestrian mall. None of the victims were specifically targeted or involved in the fight.
No arrests have been made. The investigation remains active:
- Over 150 tips have been received
- Nearly 36 search warrants have been executed
- Three firearms and ammunition have been seized
- Police are seeking information about five persons of interest associated with the shooting
Charges
Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith announced the following charges against Jones:
- Five counts of attempted murder
- Three counts of willful injury causing serious injury
- Two counts of willful injury causing bodily injury
- One count of going armed with intent
More charges are expected.
Official Statements
Governor Kim Reynolds: "This senseless act of violence has devastated the university community and our state. I have spoken with University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson and Board of Regents Chair Robert Cramer and assured them that the full resources of the state are available to assist with the investigation."
Iowa Board of Regents: "The safety of all the faculty, staff and students at our universities is the highest priority to the Iowa Board of Regents. We have been in touch with university officials and will work with them to provide any support they need."
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Iowa City Police Department.