Hunter
07/23/20
A Coralville man was taken into custody Wednesday on a warrant stemming from a December shooting.
According to police, 28-year-old Rafael Brown of 5th Street drove another individual to the Hawks Ridge Apartment Complex on December 18th at 1:35am to sell 6 THC cartridges and 2 ounces of marijuana to two residents for $660. An argument ensued over the payment for the drugs, and Brown, from the driver’s seat, allegedly shot one of the victims as he was standing at the passenger side of the car. The victim was shot through the arm and into the torso, requiring a hospital stay of approximately one and a half weeks.
Both Brown and his passenger fled the scene. Brown allegedly disposed of the shell casing left behind in his vehicle.
Police procured a search warrant on Brown’s residence after interviewing witnesses, and executed it on January 6th. Officers reportedly found the handgun used in the shooting, along with marijuana, packaging materials and a scale. Authorities also got a search warrant for Brown’s phone and discovered numerous texts about him buying and selling drugs prior to and after the alleged shooting at Hawks Ridge. Texts between Brown and his passenger that night were also discovered, also regarding the buying and selling of drugs. Photos on the phone allegedly show Brown with guns, large amounts of cash, and holding large amounts of marijuana.
When interviewed, Brown allegedly admitted to the shooting and not reporting it as he knew he should have, but denied being involved in a drug deal.
After wrapping up their investigation, a warrant was issued for Brown’s arrest on July 21st and he was taken into custody Wednesday. He faces charges of Willful Injury causing Serious Injury, and a Controlled Substance violation. If convicted on both counts, Brown could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.