HAWK ALERT: Report of shots fired near Van Buren and College Street. Avoid the area. Police on scene investigating. see e.uiowa.edu for further information.
Additional arrest made in October 23, 2022, homicide investigation
As a result of the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting that occurred October 23, 2022, in the 200 Block of South Van Buren Street, an additional arrest has been made.
Tramon Robinson, 24, of Coralville, faces one count of Dominion/Control of a Firearm by a Felon. Robinson was arrested Wednesday by the Iowa Department of Corrections.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case remains under investigation and no other information is available at this time.
Arrest made in October 23, 2022, homicide investigation
On Sunday, October 23, 2022, at approximately 1:59 a.m., Iowa City Police responded to the H-Bar, 220 S. Van Buren St., for a report of multiple shots fired in the alley. While en route, reports came in of at least one person shot.
Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male - later identified as Waymond Thomas, 36, of Iowa City - suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until the Johnson County Ambulance Service arrived on scene and transported Thomas to the hospital for treatment. Thomas died while at the hospital.
As a result of the investigation into this incident, Iowa City Police on Monday, March 13, 2023, arrested Antonio Scotton, 19, of Cedar Rapids. Scotton faces the following charges:
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon
Copies of the charges can be found here.
The Iowa City Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety, University Heights Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Johnson County Joint Emergency Communication Center, and the Johnson County Attorney's Office.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
No other information is available at this time.
To read full release from ICPD here.
Update: City files nuisance abatement petition in response to fatal shooting
Following the fatal Oct. 23, 2022, shooting outside of the H-Bar, 220 S. Van Buren St., the City of Iowa City is pursuing additional measures to protect the community from the ongoing serious criminal activity occurring at and around the business since its opening earlier this year. On Friday, Oct. 28, the City filed paperwork in Johnson County District Court seeking a nuisance abatement order. The nuisance abatement filing requests the Court to require the H-Bar to be closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.
Between 2016 and 2021, Iowa City police responded to a total of 23 calls for service at 220 S. Van Buren St. From Jan. 1, 2022 through Oct. 26, there have been 173 calls for service, an approximately 4,400 percent increase over the previous six years. Those calls include:
- The fatal shooting of Waymond Thomas, 36, of Iowa City, on Oct. 23.
- A shooting on Aug. 7 that left a young woman with multiple gunshot wounds.
- A fight on June 19 where a firearm was recovered from an individual barred from carrying guns.
- A large fight on April 10.
The Iowa City Police Department has routinely increased patrols around H-Bar this year, often requiring officers to work in an overtime capacity. The City has also unsuccessfully sought to address ongoing public safety issues with the property owners.
The Oct. 23 homicide and the Aug. 7 shooting both remain under investigation. No other information is available at this time.
A copy of the nuisance abatement petition can be found here. A hearing on the matter will be scheduled on a later date.
Read the full release here.
Iowa City Police investigate homicide
On Sunday, October 23, 2022, at approximately 1:59 a.m., Iowa City Police responded to the H-Bar, 220 S. Van Buren St., for a report of multiple shots fired in the alley. While en route, reports came in of at least one person shot.
Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until the Johnson County Ambulance Service arrived on scene and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. The victim died while at the hospital.
This is an active investigation and no additional information will be released at this time.
How you can help:
This incident is being actively investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and we are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-5275. In addition, anyone with security cameras near L & M Mighty Shop, the H-Bar at 220 S. Van Buren St., or anywhere in that area is asked to review and preserve their recordings and contact the Iowa City Police Department with any potential footage or information about this incident.
Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information about this incident that leads to an arrest. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted via the P3 Tips app, online at iccrimestoppers.org, or by phone at 319-358-TIPS (8477). All tips and calls are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed. Individuals providing information are not required to reveal their identity to collect a reward.
CASE # 2022008894
Hawk Alert Update: ICPD continues to investigate. Incident appears isolated. Remain vigilant and resume normal activity. See e.uiowa.edu for further information.
Hawk Alert Update: Police are on scene investigating a shooting. Please continue to avoid the area. Suspect not yet in custody.