90 shootings reported in Cedar Rapids so far this year

CEDAR RAPIDS — Ninety shootings have been recorded this year in Cedar Rapids.

Shootings reached double digits in June, July and August, but they have decreased since early September when two people were killed by firearms.

Only three shots-fired incidents have been reported so far this month, which would tie it for the lowest monthly total since March.

Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said there are an 'abundance of reasons' gun violence has decreased this fall, but he has identified two primary factors.

'I will take the opportunity to praise the work by the officers ... who have really been diligent and focused, making a couple of great cases and arrests on several of these incidents,' Jerman said. 'I believe a number of individuals who are responsible for this sort of behavior remain in custody and are not committing as many acts.'

As in years past, gun violence hit the high water mark during the summer. June, July and August had 11, 16 and 14 shooting incidents. But the most agonizing week for gun violence was in September.

It started Sept. 6 when Aaron Richardson, 15, was fatally shot. Two shootings followed Sept. 7-8, which police said were retaliation for Richardson's death. Then, on Sept. 10, Bryan Ahmaad Edwards, 32, was shot and killed in the 1000 block of G Avenue NW in an unrelated incident.

The Richardson homicide 'was a wake-up to some people,' Jerman said. Robert Humbles, 14, was arrested in connection with the shooting. He will plead guilty Dec. 8 to voluntary manslaughter, reckless use of a firearm resulting in serious injury and going armed with intent.

Jerman said those incidents also have sparked community discussions about gun violence and its causes. Mayor Ron Corbett has called it both a societal and community problem, which roots in poverty, education and family dynamics, Jerman said.

Following that week in September, only two shooting incidents were reported through the rest of the month. October saw nine shootings.

For Jerman, 'one (shooting) is obviously too many.'

'These are not random incidents,' he said. 'They are targeted assaults or attacks.'

Many of the shootings this year have been attributed to rival gangs. Jerman said investigators have had success in identifying some of the people involved in gun violence but still are working to build cases against them.

Police also have used crime strategy meetings to determine where to best deploy officers and further limit gun violence. Jerman also praised partnerships with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Jerman noted arrests have been made in connection with shootings from July, August and October. Additionally, police believe four men in federal custody on weapons charges are connected to Edwards' death, though that homicide investigation remains open, Jerman said.

'This is still a safe city,' Jerman said. 'These are not random attacks. I go downtown or I travel around with my family, and I'm not at risk. I'm not engaged in risky behavior.'