Cedar Rapids man accused of shooting at roommate, pleads to lesser charges

A man originally charged with attempting to kill his roommate pleaded to a drug and harassment charges because a surveillance video showed he only fired shots into the ground.

Derek Bekeris, 31, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty Thursday in Linn County District Court to felony manufacturing marijuana and filed written guilty pleas to two misdemeanors, interference with official acts and first-degree harassment. The charge of attempted murder will be dismissed at sentencing July 19. He faces up to seven years in prison.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks said after the hearing the initial information was that Bekeris, who had a permit to carry, had fired six times at his roommate, Grady Daniels, after sending him threatening messages. After further investigation, police reviewed a surveillance video that showed Bekeris chased the roommate out of the house but only fired the shots at the ground and then threw his gun at the victim, who was already out of reach.

Maybanks said as part of the plea agreement, Bekeris won't ask for a deferred judgment at sentencing and federal prosecutors won't pursue charges of being an unlawful drug user while in possession of a gun.

The criminal complaint shows Bekeris denied he was using or in possession of drugs but during a search of his home police found several marijuana plants and items for a 'grow operation,' as well as other firearms.

Maybanks also agreed to allow Bekeris pretrial release pending sentencing, so he could receive treatment at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Iowa City. Bekeris was taken from the hearing to the hospital by an official.

Bekeris, who was discharged from the military, according to his gun permit application, refused to obey officers' commands, physically resisted arrest and had to be forcibly taken into custody, the complaint shows. Bekeris then made several threats to arresting officers

and their families, made comments about the Oregon standoff involving militia members, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton

and being a 'pot' user.