Police: Suspect in New Year’s Eve Ped Mall riot was on probation for previous downtown Iowa City riot/shooting

Lang
1/17/24

Iowa City Police say a Cedar Rapids man charged for his alleged part in a New Year’s Eve riot on the Ped Mall was serving probation from a previous downtown Iowa City riot and shooting.

Iowa City Police say 20-year-old Demarcus Robertson-Ray of Central Drive SW participated in a riot with at least four other people outside DC’s at approximately 11:51 p.m. on December 31st.  Arrest records indicate Robertson-Ray punched one man from behind, then continued striking him in the head, causing serious injuries and a protracted loss of function.

Robertson-Ray also allegedly stomped on and kicked a woman in the head while she was being pinned down by another person, knocking her unconscious.

A third reported victim , the mother of Robertson-Ray’s child, was allegedly struck in the face and head, causing pain and injury.

Robertson-Ray faces charges of Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, Participating in a Riot and Domestic Abuse Assault Causing Injury. If convicted on all four charges, he faces a maximum of 18 years in prison.

Police now say at the time of the alleged attacks  Robertson-Ray was on probation for his role in a December 2021 riot in the Capitol Street parking ramp. Robertson-Ray was shot during the incident. An investigation determined that Robertson-Ray had fired multiple shots at four subjects, striking several vehicles in the process.

Upon his release from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Robertson-Ray was charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Injure and Reckless Use of a Firearm Causing Property Damage. He was given a deferred judgement as part of a plea deal.