Lang
2/4/24
A parent accused of bringing a gun to Grant Wood Elementary School is seeking a deferred judgement after pleading guilty in the case on Friday.
Iowa City Police say 31-year-old Brandon Jones of The Quarters on Highway 6 East entered the main office at the Lakeside Drive facility to reportedly confront Principal Ernie Cox about sending his son home from school. Staff at the school reported that Jones demanded to see Cox and threatened multiple times to assault him. He also allegedly threatened another staff member who tried to de-escalate the situation.
At one point, Jones reportedly removed a loaded pistol and holster from his belt, handed it to his girlfriend who accompanied him and told her something to the effect of holding the weapon for Jones so he won’t do “something stupid”. Jones then went into the school halls to look for Cox, against the protests of staff. He and the girlfriend left when staff called the police.
The incident was captured on security video..
Jones was charged with Carrying Weapons on School Grounds and two counts of First Degree Harassment. If convicted on all charges, Jones could have been sentenced to up to 9 years in prison.
Prosecutors are asking for the five-year felony count and two aggravated misdemeanor counts to run consecutively. Jones is asking for a deferred judgement.
A sentencing date has not yet been set.