Teen faces attempted murder charge in Cedar Rapids shooting

CEDAR RAPIDS — A teenager faces an attempted murder charge in a Saturday night shooting outside the Willis Dady Homeless Services facility that left a man injured, authorities said.

The shooting is one of two gun violence incidents Saturday in Cedar Rapids that remain under investigation.

Just before 9 p.m. Saturday, police got a call about a shooting near 1247 Fourth Ave. SE. The shooting occurred in the parking lot and alley area outside the Willis Dady facility.

Police said they found an adult male who had what they described as non-life-threatening injuries from being shot, and he was taken to a hospital. Officers “did locate evidence” that led to a juvenile being taken into custody.

Authorities identified the shooting victim as Beau Kopp, age 39, who was shot in the abdomen. An initial investigation found that Kopp was involved in an argument with one person in a group of three when he was shot.

A city public safety spokeswoman identified the suspect as Corey Lamar Cullar Jr., 17. He was arrested on charges of attempted murder, willful injury and going armed with intent. He was taken to the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center.

Earlier Saturday, Cedar Rapids police responded to another report of gunshots, this one at 12:53 a.m. outside the Wawa Caribbean Restaurant at 4342 16th Ave. SW. Police said they found shell casings and “a small amount of fresh blood in the middle of the parking lot” — but no witnesses or wounded people. A large party was scheduled at that time at the restaurant, police said.

Several hours later, about 3 a.m., police said the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics contacted them to report a 19-year-old man had arrived there “stating he had been shot in Cedar Rapids leaving a party.”

The man had non-life-threatening injuries and, according to authorities, did not want to talk to investigators. Cedar Rapids police said they had not been able to contact the injured man.

The shooting remains under investigation and police asked for anyone who has information about the incident to call them at (319) 286-5491.