Cedar Rapids teen, convicted in previous shooting, arrested on gun charges

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids teen, who pleaded guilty in February to charges related to a shooting in November that injured a Mount Mercy cross-country runner, was arrested this week on weapon charges.

Natorian Nicholas Smith, 17, was arrested Wednesday and faces charges of trafficking stolen weapons, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm by a domestic abuse offender, person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to a criminal complaint, Smith was in a vehicle officers stopped in the 1600 block of Blairs Ferry Road NE. The officers found a stolen Glock handgun, marijuana and a digital scale in Smith’s possession during the stop, according to the complaint.

Another teen, Josiah Quareeb Leach, 16, of Cedar Rapids, also was arrested and faces charges of trafficking stolen weapons, person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both made their initial appearance in court Thursday. Smith is being held on a $15,000 cash or surety bond and a $15,000 cash-only bond for violation of probation. Leach is being held on a $15,000 cash or surety bond.

Last year, Smith was involved in an exchange of gunfire around 4 p.m. Nov. 3 near K Avenue and Elmhurst Drive NE. A Mount Mercy cross-country runner, Matthew Hellige, was on his way to practice, got caught in the crossfire and was shot in the right forearm.

Smith was charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, willful injury resulting in bodily injury, going armed with intent, carrying a weapon on school grounds, use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, reckless use of a firearm, minor armed with a dangerous weapon and person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons.

In February, Smith pleaded guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon, carrying weapons on school grounds and reckless use of a firearm. The other charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal.

He was sentenced in May to five years in prison, which was suspended, and placed on probation for five years. A suspended sentence means he could still serve the prison sentence if he fails to meet conditions of his probation.

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