Lang
7/29/23
A suspect is accused of pulling a CO2 gun on another person during a Friday afternoon dispute on the Ped Mall.
Iowa City Police say 18-year-old Darius Cooper, who has no listed address, is seen on video just after 3:30pm retrieving a CO2 pistol from his backpack and placing it in his waistband. He was engaged in an argument with another subject when he was seen running from the other person. Cooper then allegedly dropped his backpack, pulled the gun from his waistband and started walking back towards the other person while pointing the firearm at him. Police say Cooper told the other person not to “mess” with him anymore.
Cooper then reportedly retrieved the backpack, tucked the gun back into his waistband, and walked into the Iowa City Public Library.
Police say an officer was with the alleged victim when they saw Cooper again. He allegedly pulled the gun back out of his waistband and held it behind his back while telling the other person to “bring it”.
Cooper is charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon and Disorderly Conduct. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of over ten years in prison.