ILLINOIS — Authorities in Iowa City, Iowa are still searching for suspects following a weekend shooting that left four people injured just blocks from downtown. The shooting occurred early Sunday morning in the 600 block of East Court Street, prompting a large police response and renewed public safety concerns.
Early Morning Violence Shakes Downtown Vicinity
The incident took place around 2:55 a.m. on Sunday, August 3, near Burlington and Dodge Streets. Officers arriving on the scene found one individual with gunshot wounds who was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. According to police, three additional victims later arrived at hospitals in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids with non-life-threatening injuries.
Details remain scarce, but the shooting is under investigation, and no arrests have been made. The proximity of the attack to downtown Iowa City has led to increased public concern, especially given the recurring pattern of violence in the area.
Public Asked to Share Video, Tips
In a public statement, the Iowa City Police Department urged nearby residents and business owners to check security or doorbell camera footage for anything suspicious during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Authorities are actively asking the public to call 319-356-5275 or contact Detective Gabe Cook at cook@iowa-city.org with any relevant footage or information. To support the investigation, the Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for any tip that leads to an arrest. Tips can also be submitted online at iccrimestoppers.org.
As of now, police say there are no new updates and the investigation is ongoing.
Recent Pattern of Gun Violence in Iowa City
This shooting is the latest in a troubling series of violent incidents in the area. Since December 2024, three fatal shootings have been reported in Iowa City:
- On Dec. 30, a woman was fatally shot in the 600 block of South Dodge Street. No arrests have been made.
- On March 30, a 30-year-old man was killed while sitting in his vehicle on South Gilbert Street. Antavius M.W. Watson was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
- On June 11, a 27-year-old man was shot twice in the chest and died at Western Hills Mobile Home Park in nearby Coralville. That case also remains unsolved.
These incidents, all occurring within a relatively short radius, highlight the escalating tension in Iowa City neighborhoods and the urgent need for community-based safety strategies.
Have you seen suspicious activity near Court Street or Burlington Street in Iowa City? Do you have video from your doorbell camera or business? Your information could help bring justice to the victims. Contact Iowa City Police or submit tips anonymously through Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers. Stay informed with updates at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
