Solon man pleads not guilty in attempted murder

A Solon teen accused of attempted murder pleaded not guilty in a written arraignment filed today at the Johnson County Courthouse.

Dakota Lee Williams, 18, of 103 E Fifth St., Solon, also was charged with first-degree burglary and going armed with intent for the the Feb. 25 incident in Iowa City, after police said he shot an apartment resident during an attempted burglary.

Williams was also charged with five counts of burglary to a motor vehicle and interference with official acts for incidents later the same night in Johnson County.

Iowa City police said Williams, wielding a handgun, forced his way into an apartment in the 900 block of North Dodge Street, while pointing a handgun at a 27-year-old male and demanding money.

The victim resisted, and during the struggle Williams put the gun to the victim's head and threatened to shoot him. Police said the gun discharged during the struggle, and the victim was shot in both hands.

Willliams remains in the Johnson County Jail on an $850,500 bond.