Police: It’s 'unbelievable' people won’t cooperate in shooting investigation

UPDATE: Police continue to investigate the gunshots fired Monday in southeast Cedar Rapids,  but are frustrated again by the lack of cooperation from witnesses.

Multiple shots rang out around 3:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Fourth Avenue and 16th Street SE. Shell casings were found, but no one was hurt and no damage was reported, police said.

Johnson Elementary School, which is about four blocks from the scene, went into lock-down mode for about 30 minutes as a precaution, police said.

No arrests have been made.

“It's unbelievable that not everyone is cooperating,” Sgt. Cristy Hamblin wrote in an e-mail. “We do have some individuals that know it was wrong and (are) willing to come forward. Then there were others that I guess are going to wait until someone is hurt, and then blame the police for not doing anything about it. If they are in the second group, step up or move away.”

One witness told The Gazette he was walking his son home from school when he heard at least five gunshots. Police said reports have varied on how many shots were fired.