Iowa City Police have charged a second teen with attempted murder in connection with a Ped Mall shooting that injured five, while a third person has been charged with helping the alleged shooter flee the scene.
The ICPD on Wednesday, May 27, said they identified two people who helped Damarian M. Jones, allegedly fire gunshots into a crowd in the early morning hours of April 19, which left five people injured.
Ka’Mari Dozier, 17 of Cedar Rapids, allegedly obtained the gun used in the shooting and gave it to Jones. Police believe Isaiah M. Bates, 18, of Cedar Rapids, helped Jones flee the scene.
Dozier was charged with five counts of attempted murder on May 22, while Bates faces charges of obstruction, accessory after the fact, and rioting.
Police also charged 13 other individuals on Wednesday — including two minors — with participating in a riot for their roles in the large fight that preceded the shooting.
According to the police, a fight involving roughly 40 people broke out around 1:45 a.m. on April 19 in Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall. During the course of the fight, police believe Jones secured a gun from Dozier and allegedly fired into the crowd six times. Four of the injured were released from the hospital the morning following the shooting and one remained in critical condition after being shot in the head. Police believe none of the victims were targeted.
Police charged Jones with five counts of attempted murder on April 22 during a press conference at the Iowa City City Hall. Jones has since been arrested and awaits extradition in Georgia, where he was apprehended by U.S. Marshals.
Police believe Cedar Rapids teens helped Jones secure gun, flee scene
Dozier allegedly handed a firearm to Jones during a break in the Ped Mall fight, approximately three minutes after the fight started, according to court documents. According to police, Dozier was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the shooting.
Bates is accused of fleeing the scene with Jones, allegedly arranging for Jones’ transportation outside of Iowa City. Police also accuse Bates of conducting internet searches related to disposing of firearms.
Dozier was arrested on Tuesday, May 26. His bond has been set at $140,000.
Liam Halawith covers Johnson County local government and public safety for the Press-Citizen. Reach him by email at lhalawith@registermedia.com. Follow him on X at @liam_halawith.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Second Iowa teen charged with attempted murder in Ped Mall shooting
Reporting by Liam Halawith, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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