Cedar Rapids police investigating fourth shooting incident in 24 hours

CEDAR RAPIDS - Police are investigating after a fourth shooting in roughly 24 hours left one person injured.

According to the police department, officers were called at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday to the area of Fourth Avenue and 18th Street SE for gunfire. When they arrived, they located a 29-year-old man who suffered a single gunshot wound to his foot. Police said the victim was uncooperative, telling officer that he did not wish to pursue further investigation.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment. Police said the injury was not life threatening.

No other injuries were reported, police said.

Investigators found shell casings in the area, police said, and through their investigation learned that a residence in the 1800 block of Fourth Avenue had been hit by bullets.

Public safety spokesperson Greg Buelow said the preliminary investigation determined that the shooting was the result of an altercation between the victim and an assailant, a did not appear to be connected to the three shooting incidents that occurred early Wednesday morning.

The first occurred at about 1:15 a.m. Wednesday in the area of C Avenue and 13th Street NW. About 20 minutes later a second incident was reported in the 600 block of 16th Street SE. And at about 2:45 a.m. a third incident was reported in the 200 block of 13th Street NW, about a quarter-mile from the first incident.

Police said houses and vehicles were struck by bullets, but no injuries were reported.

Preliminary investigation showed Wednesday's incidents were likely connected.

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