Iowa City police are searching for a 17-year-old suspect in connection with a shooting that left five people injured near the University of Iowa campus on April 19, 2026. The incident occurred in the early morning hours at the downtown Pedestrian Mall, a popular area near the university that was crowded with people at the time. Authorities have identified the teenager as Damarian Marshawn Jones of Cedar Rapids and say he is wanted in relation to the gunfire that wounded multiple individuals, including three University of Iowa students.
According to Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston, officers responded to reports of a large fight just before 2 a.m. On Sunday, April 19, near the 100 block of East College Street. When they arrived, they heard gunfire and found several victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Video evidence reviewed by investigators shows Jones engaging in the altercation and, during a break in the fight, obtaining a firearm from another individual before firing six shots. The victims were struck in various parts of the body, including the chest, arm, leg, stomach, and head. One victim, who was shot in the head, remains in critical condition, while another is hospitalized but stable. The remaining three victims have been released from the hospital.
All five individuals taken to area hospitals following the shooting have been identified as victims, with three confirmed as University of Iowa students. Police have emphasized that none of the victims were targeted in the shooting and that there is no indication they were involved in the preceding fight. University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson issued a statement expressing concern for the affected students and their families, noting that the university remains in close communication with law enforcement and that the University of Iowa Police Department is supporting the investigation.
The shooting prompted a swift response from multiple agencies, including the Johnson County Attorney’s Office and state and federal law enforcement partners. Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague described the incident as a “tragic act of violence” and commended the quick actions of police officers who arrived on the scene. Governor Kim Reynolds also commented on the event, saying she had spoken with university officials and that state resources are available to assist with the ongoing investigation. She added that the shooting has deeply impacted the university community and the broader state.
In the days following the shooting, police continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses. A press conference held on April 22 at Iowa City City Hall provided updates on the case, including the release of the suspect’s name and details about the victims’ conditions. Chief Liston reiterated that the investigation remains active and that authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The University of Iowa issued a Hawk Alert shortly after the shooting to notify campus members of the incident and advise them to avoid the area.
As of the latest update, Damarian Marshawn Jones is still considered a wanted suspect, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Law enforcement continues to pursue leads and review surveillance footage from the area. Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts or the events leading up to the gunfire is encouraged to contact the Iowa City Police Department or the Johnson County Attorney’s Office. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through local crime stoppers programs.
The incident has reignited discussions about safety in downtown Iowa City, particularly in areas frequented by students, and visitors. While authorities have not released details about potential motives, they have stressed that the shooting appears to have stemmed from a spontaneous altercation rather than a premeditated attack. Community leaders have called for calm and urged residents to support the investigation while avoiding speculation or the spread of unverified information online.
Individuals seeking official updates on the case are advised to monitor the Iowa City Police Department’s website and social media channels, where press releases and investigative developments are posted regularly. The Johnson County Attorney’s Office also provides public information about ongoing cases through its official communications. For those wishing to share tips, non-emergency lines and anonymous reporting systems remain available.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on locating the suspect and ensuring accountability for the violence that unfolded in the heart of Iowa City. The next steps in the case will depend on new evidence or leads that emerge in the coming days, with law enforcement emphasizing their commitment to a thorough and transparent process.
We encourage readers to stay informed through verified sources and to share this article to help spread accurate information. Your awareness and vigilance can contribute to community safety and support ongoing efforts to bring clarity to this troubling incident.