Teen Charged in Shooting Incident near University of Iowa

A 17-year-old boy has been accused of five counts of attempted murder following a shooting that occurred on Sunday near the University of Iowa. The incident left five individuals injured, including three students.

According to the Iowa City police, Damarian M. Jones, who is from Cedar Rapids, was engaged in a fight involving roughly 40 people in the 100 block of East College Street at the downtown Pedestrian Mall around 1:45 a.m.

Authorities reported that during the altercation, Jones acquired a firearm from another person. At one point, he stepped away from the crowd, retrieved a weapon, and discharged six shots into the bustling pedestrian mall.

Five individuals sustained gunshot wounds:

• One victim is in critical condition with a severe head injury.
• Another was shot in both the arm and chest, necessitating serious surgery.
• A third victim suffered from a leg injury requiring several surgeries.
• One person was injured in the abdomen.
• Another was hurt in both legs.

Two of the injured individuals remain hospitalized, as police continue their investigation.

Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston expressed concern, stating, “Their lives were forever changed by this senseless act of violence. We wish them a full recovery and are ready to support them in every way possible during this difficult time.”

Police clarified that none of the victims were the intended targets of the shooting and have no evidence suggesting they were involved in the confrontation.

By 3:05 a.m., investigators had already identified Jones and other persons of interest.

As part of their investigation, law enforcement recovered three firearms, various firearm accessories, and numerous rounds of ammunition. They have also received over 150 tips and executed nearly 30 search warrants.

Although Jones is currently at large, police have officially charged him with:

• Five counts of attempted murder
• Three counts of serious injury due to intentional assault
• Two counts of intentional injury, assault, and injury
• Armed with purpose

The Iowa City Police Department is asking for public assistance. Individuals with information or those who were near the scene with security footage are encouraged to reach out. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered by Iowa City Regional Crime Stoppers for information that leads to an arrest.

Anyone with tips can contact the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-5275 or through P3 tip app or iccrimestoppers.org.