Two arrested in Iowa City in shots fired case

Two people have been arrested in relation to a shots fired call that Iowa City Police responded to in September.

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Dequan D. Mardis, 30, of Iowa City, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, going armed with intent, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of reckless use of a firearm.

Lashelle Beard, 33, of Iowa City, is charged with fifth-degree criminal mischief.

According to criminal complaints, Beard and Mardis went to a house on the 3500 block of Shamrock Place, Iowa City on Sept. 21 with the intent to target someone inside “as retaliation to a previous incident.”

Beard slashed the tires on a car at the residence, and Mardis fired at least 11 gunshots toward the house using a .40 caliber firearm. Two people were inside the house when it was hit. Some shots also hit another nearby house, the complaints state.

A warrant was issued for Beard’s arrest on Oct. 14, and for Mardis’ arrest on Oct. 15. They were both taken into custody Monday. Mardis had a first appearance in court on Tuesday and is being held on a $25,000 bond. Beard filed a written waiver of first appearance Tuesday and was released without bond.

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