Iowa City Police provide update, announce charges in April 19 shooting investigation

In the days and hours following the Sunday, April 19, 2026 shooting, Iowa City Police - assisted by numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies - have continued to investigate this incident.

The investigation has shown that at approximately 1:45 a.m., April 19, Damarian M. Jones, 17, of Cedar Rapids, engaged in a fight in the 100 Block of East College Street in the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Reports to police indicated as many as 40 people were involved.

The first responding officer arrived at approximately 1:48 a.m., 45 seconds after being dispatched.

Over the course of the fight, Jones obtained a firearm from another individual. During a break in the fight, Jones walked away from the other combatants, drew the weapon, and fired six times into the crowded Pedestrian Mall. Officers called out shots fired over the radio as participants fled the scene and by 1:50 a.m., the University of Iowa issued a Hawk Alert.

As a result of the shots fired, five people were struck by gunfire.

• One individual suffered a life-threatening injury to her head and remains in critical condition.
• One victim was struck in the arm and chest cavity, causing serious injuries requiring surgery.
• One victim was struck in the leg, causing serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
• One victim was struck in the side of the stomach, causing bodily injury.
• One victim was struck in both legs, causing bodily injury.

Of the five victims struck by gunfire, two remain hospitalized.

"Their lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence," said Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston. "We pray for their full recovery and stand ready to support them in any way possible during this difficult time."

The Iowa City Police Department would like to emphasize that none of the victims were the target of this shooting, and there is no reason to believe they were otherwise affiliated with this incident.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, officers from the Iowa City Police Department, University of Iowa Police Department, and University Heights Police Department provided lifesaving care to the shooting victims. They were joined by personnel from the Johnson County Ambulance Service and Iowa City Fire Department.

Less than 90 minutes following the shooting, 14 detectives and three Crime Scene Technicians arrived on scene to process evidence, and interview witnesses and victims. By 3:05 a.m., investigators obtained images of Jones and other persons of interest in the incident.

Over the course of the investigation, police have recovered three firearms, numerous firearm accessories, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Investigators have received more than 150 tips and served nearly three dozen search warrants related to this case.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Jones faces the following charges:

• Attempted Murder (Five Counts)
• Willful Injury Assault Causing Serious Injury (Three Counts)
• Willful Injury Assault Causing Bodily Injury (Two Counts)
• Going Armed with Intent

Copies of the charges can be found here.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, all persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

This remains an open and active investigation and Jones has not been located. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to submit a tip via the Crime Stoppers information below. Additional arrests and charges are expected.

The Iowa City Police Department would like to thank the following that agencies who have provided invaluable assistance to this investigation:

• University of Iowa Police Department
• Johnson County Sheriff's Office
• Coralville Police Department
• University Heights Police Department
• Iowa State Patrol
• Linn County Sheriff's Office
• Cedar Rapids Police Department
• Johnson County Emergency Communications Center (JECC)
• Johnson County Ambulance Service
• Johnson County Emergency Management
• Iowa City Fire Department
• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab
• Johnson County Attorney's Office
• US Marshals Office

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to the brave men and women from our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who responded immediately and continue to work alongside us," said Liston. "Their swift action and expertise have been instrumental in this investigation."

No further information is available.

Next steps

The Iowa City Police Department understands the recent concerns about gun violence in our community. While gun violence has decreased considerably city-wide, additional steps will be taken to promote safety, particularly in the Downtown. Beginning this weekend, the University of Iowa Police Department will provide four additional officers in order to conduct joint patrols with Iowa City Police on Friday and Saturday nights during peak hours.

We understand that the events of April 19 have had a significant impact on our community. If you or someone you know needs assistance and support during this difficult time, please reach out to our crisis line at 988.

This incident is being actively investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and we are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-5275. In addition, anyone in that area with security cameras is asked to review their recordings and contact the Iowa City Police Department with any potential footage or information about this incident.

Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information about this incident that leads to an arrest. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted via the P3 Tips app, online at iccrimestoppers.org, or by phone at 319-358-TIPS (8477). All tips and calls are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed. Individuals providing information are not required to reveal their identity to collect a reward.

CASE # 2026003915