Iowa City man charged with firing shots in apartment building

An Iowa City man is in custody after he allegedly fired a handgun inside a downtown Iowa City apartment complex.

Police responded to Ecumenical Towers, 320 E. Washington Street, at 5:53 a.m. on Feb. 21 for a report of loud noises, sounding like gunshots. Officers said they found property damage to the hallway in the area where the noises were coming from.

After investigation, police learned 69-year-old Stephen C. Caldwell, a resident at Ecumenical Towers, was seen with a handgun a few hours before the shots were reported and was found in the area where the hallway was damaged.

Police said it did not appear Caldwell had a specific target and when asked about why he was firing the gun, he said he didn't know. Caldwell was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for further evaluation.

Caldwell was charged in connection to intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face up to 5 years in prison and a $750 fine.