A 17-year-old is being sought by police on charges of attempted murder following a shooting incident that occurred early Sunday morning in a bustling nightlife area near the University of Iowa, authorities announced on Wednesday.
The shooting left five individuals with gunshot wounds, three of whom are University of Iowa students. A woman remains critically injured with a severe head wound, as confirmed by Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the teenager, who was reportedly involved in a brawl that witnesses say included up to 40 participants. Chief Liston noted that officers arrived at the scene within 45 seconds of the altercation beginning.
According to reports, after distancing himself from the fray, the suspect allegedly discharged a firearm six times into the busy pedestrian area. This downtown area of Iowa City is well-known for its array of shops, bars, and eateries.
The young suspect hails from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and under state law, will be charged as an adult due to the nature of the charges, which are considered forcible felonies for individuals aged 16 and older, explained Rachel Zimmermann Smith, the Johnson County attorney.
These charges, which encompass five counts of attempted murder, will be officially filed once the suspect is taken into custody, she added.
Liston said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. About three dozen search warrants have already been executed.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to hold those responsible fully accountable,” he said, adding that anyone with information on the incident or the suspect are encouraged to come forward.
The five victims were not “targets of the shooting,” Liston said. “We have no reason to believe they were otherwise affiliated with the fight that preceded the shooting.”
Liston also provided details about the other four victims’ injuries, including one struck in the arm and chest, two struck in one or both legs and one in the side of their stomach. One is still hospitalized in stable condition and three have been released, he said.
