15-year-old charged in connection with Mercer Park shooting

15-year-old charged in connection with Mercer Park shooting
Lang
6/21/19

A 15-year-old has been taken into custody for his part in a shooting last week near Mercer Park.

Iowa City Police say the juvenile is charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon and Reckless Use of a Firearm. If charged as an adult, he faces a maximum of 12 years in prison.

Police add that the investigation is still ongoing, including possible connections to other gunshot incidents that occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, June 17th.  More charges and arrests are expected.

The incident allegedly involving the 15-year-old happened just after 5:45pm on Thursday, June 13th. Police received reports of gunshots being fired from one car at another occupied car. Investigating officers were able to locate and collect potential evidence from the area, including shell casings and bullets. The two cars involved were located a few days later.

The ICPD is also continuing its investigation into two shots fired incidents last Monday. The first report occurred at 12:45 a.m. near the intersection of Benton and Michael Streets.  The reporting person stated that one of his van windows was damaged by a gunshot while he was inside his vehicle.  Occupants of nearby residences also reported hearing a single gunshot.

The second report came at 3:13 a.m. when emergency calls came in regarding multiple gunshots heard near the intersection of Wayne and Arthur Streets.

Anyone with information about these shootings is encouraged to contact Iowa City Police at 319-356-6800 or Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers at 319-358-8477.