Five teens charged in Iowa City BB shooting spree

IOWA CITY - A two-day BB gun shooting spree has led to charges for five teens with more to come once police determine the extent of the damage they caused.

According to an Iowa City police news release, officers responded to roughly 35 criminal mischief reports involving BB guns over a 48-hour period last week. At least one person was shot and suffered a minor injury, while residents in east and southeast Iowa City reported vehicle windows shot out and damage to their homes.

Police said the victims and witnesses provided officers with suspect and vehicle descriptions. The vehicle was described as having some 'unique identifiers,” police said.

Around 6:42 p.m. Saturday, police found a vehicle matching the description near the Breckenridge Trailer Court, 4494 Taft Ave. Inside the vehicle were five teens, ages 15-17. Police said BB guns, BBs and CO2 cartridges were found in the vehicle.

All five of the teens were taken in for questioning and they all confessed to their actions, police said. They were released to their parents or guardians and face charges of carrying weapons.

More charges are to come, however. Police said the total damage from the vandalism is estimated to be several thousand dollars and more reports are expected to come in. Until the public has had a chance to report all of the damages, the police plan to wait on pursuing additional charges, they said.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of the BB gun damage or witnessed either property damage or an assault is asked to contact Iowa City police.