Lang
1/16/24
A Cedar Rapids man faces numerous charges for his alleged role in a New Year’s Eve riot on the Ped Mall.
20-year-old Demarcus Robertson-Ray of Central Drive SW was booked into the Johnson County Jail just before 11:00 Monday morning. Iowa City Police say Robertson-Ray participated in a riot with at least four other people outside DC’s at approximately 11:51 p.m.…less than ten minutes before the calendar turned to 2024. 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 attacked a woman who had already been pushed to the ground and repeatedly stomped on and kicked her in the head, 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.
The riot was just one of many acts of violence Iowa City Police dealt with downtown late New Year’s Eve night and early New Year’s Day morning. A Davenport man was arrested after a large fight outside The Sports Column on South Dubuque Street, and two Chicago residents were arrested following a brawl outside El Ray’s Live and Dive on Iowa Avenue.