Key takeaways:
- Damarian M. Jones, 17, is wanted on five counts of attempted murder and other charges related to a shooting near the University of Iowa.
- Five people were injured by gunfire during a fight involving up to 40 individuals; none of the victims were targeted or involved in the altercation.
- Police have seized three firearms and ammunition, received over 150 tips, and expect to file additional charges as the investigation continues.
Authorities are actively searching for 17-year-old Damarian M. Jones of Cedar Rapids in connection with a mass shooting near the University of Iowa that left five people wounded early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. in Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall, a popular nightlife area close to the university campus.
Jones faces multiple charges including five counts of attempted murder, three counts of willful injury assault causing serious injury, two counts of willful injury assault causing bodily injury, and one count of going armed with intent, according to the Iowa City Police Department and Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith. The charge of going armed with intent refers to carrying a dangerous weapon with the specific intent to use it against another person without justification under Iowa law.
Police say the shooting erupted after a physical altercation involving up to 40 individuals. Video evidence reviewed by investigators shows Jones engaged in the fight on one side before obtaining a firearm from another individual. During a pause in the conflict, Jones reportedly walked away from the group, drew his handgun, and fired six rounds into the crowd. The bullets struck five people who were not involved in the fight and were in the direct line of fire.
The victims sustained serious injuries: one woman suffered a life-threatening head injury and remains hospitalized in critical condition; another required surgery after being shot in the arm and chest; a third underwent multiple surgeries for leg wounds; the fourth was hit in the stomach; and the fifth was struck in both legs. Two victims remain hospitalized, while three have been released.
Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston described the scene as chaotic, with officers administering CPR and applying tourniquets at the site before transporting victims to the hospital. “Their lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence,” Liston said. He emphasized that none of the victims were targeted or affiliated with the fight.
Since the shooting, police have seized three firearms, ammunition, and related accessories. They have received over 150 tips and executed nearly 36 search warrants as the investigation continues. Authorities expect to file additional charges and make further arrests.
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague called the event a “deeply painful moment for our community,” expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. The University of Iowa is increasing police presence downtown, adding four officers from its campus police department to patrol alongside Iowa City Police.
Jones remains at large, and police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
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