An early morning shooting in Iowa City resulted in Iowa City Police clearing the Pedestrian Mall and the University of Iowa Hospital was put on lockdown.

According to a press release from the Iowa City Police Department, just before two o'clock Sunday morning, an officer saw people running near the intersection of Burlington and Clinton Streets and it appeared some type of altercation had occurred. Iowa City Police quickly learned there was at least one person with a handgun and officers matched the description to a man close by who was holding a handgun. When officers approached, he ran and ignored police commands to stop. The suspect then ran into the Pedestrian Mall, still holding the handgun. The release states there were hundreds of people in the mall, shortly after bar closing. The suspect was finally caught near the corner of College and Linn. When apprehended, he no longer had the gun and refused to cooperate with officers as to its whereabouts. Due to concerns about the danger involved in the gun not being accounted for, Iowa City Police ordered everyone out of the Pedestrian Mall. Once cleared, police searched for the gun but were unable to locate it. One Iowa City Police Officer suffered minor injuries during the pursuit of the suspect.

During the police search, they received information that a person suffering from a gunshot wound was at the University of Iowa Emergency Trauma Center. After several upset people associated with the victim arrived there, the hospital was placed on lockdown. The victim remains at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, being treated for what's believed to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

The man arrested at the corner of College and Linn is 19-year-old Demontrae Lavell Poole of Cedar Rapids. He faces three felonies and five total charges. The charges are:

  • Carrying Weapons (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
  • Interference with Official Acts with a Dangerous Weapon (Class “D” Felony)
  • Interference with Official Acts Causing Injury to Officer (Serious Misdemeanor)
  • Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver (Class “D” Felony)
  • Drug Tax Stamp Violation (Class “D” Felony)

The Iowa City Police Department also says it's possible, and has been reported, that additional shots were fired during the incident which continues to be investigated, with further charges possible. They are requesting assistance from the public. If you witnessed the incident or have information on the whereabouts of the gun, you're encouraged to contact Iowa City Area CrimeStoppers at 358-TIPS (8477). Your anonymity is guaranteed and a $1,000 cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s).

The Iowa City Police Department and University of Iowa Police Department combined on the investigation.

[via Iowa City Police Department]

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