Police search for 17-year-old suspect in University of Iowa shooting

Authorities are on the lookout for a 17-year-old accused in relation to a shooting over the weekend near the University of Iowa.

The incident resulted in five individuals suffering injuries, some of which are serious.

Damarian Jones, hailing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been charged with five counts of attempted murder, three counts of willful injury assault leading to serious injury, two counts of willful injury assault resulting in bodily harm, and one count of being armed with intent, as reported by police.

This last charge refers to someone allegedly having a dangerous weapon "with the deliberate intent to use it unjustifiably against another person," as defined by Iowa state law.

Iowa City police announced the charges against Jones on Wednesday. As of yet, the suspect hasn't been found, and anyone with details about his location is urged to provide information to law enforcement.

Officials anticipate filing more charges and making additional arrests as the investigation progresses.

Jones has been evading capture since Sunday morning when he allegedly opened fire on five people amidst a bustling mall around 1:45am.

According to an arrest affidavit, Jones released six shots from his gun at the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City, close to the University of Iowa campus, following a physical altercation "with several opposing individuals."

The suspect was involved in a fight alongside others on his side and eventually "acquired a firearm" as the confrontation escalated. During a pause in the altercation, he moved away from the rival group, aimed his weapon, and shot six times in their direction, the affidavit noted, hitting the five injured individuals who were in the "direct line of fire."

None of the five individuals harmed were intended targets, police stated, noting, "there's no indication they were otherwise linked to this event."

Following a review of video evidence and obtaining pictures of Jones and several individuals of interest, police filed the charges, according to their announcement and the affidavit.

With footage and crime scene proof, the charging document noted, "There is reasonable cause to believe the suspect, with intent to take another's life, engaged in an act which formed a substantial step toward committing murder."

Despite authorities attributing all gunshot injuries to Jones, police said they retrieved three firearms, numerous accessories, and many rounds of ammunition in their inquiry.

Concerning the five wounded by gunfire, two were still in the hospital on Wednesday, according to officials.

One individual sustained a critical head injury and remains in the hospital in serious condition, while another suffered significant injuries needing surgery after being shot in the arm and chest.

The third victim required numerous surgeries after a leg injury, the fourth was hit on the stomach's side, and the fifth was struck in both legs, according to police reports.

"This senseless act of violence has permanently impacted their lives," remarked Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston.

"We are hoping for their complete recovery and are committed to supporting them however we can during this challenging period."