Two more shootings have occurred in Cedar Rapids this week, both in the same neighborhood on the city’s southeast side. Fortunately, no one was injured. Dawn O’Brien-Munis has lived in the neighborhood for eight years and says she won’t let her grandchildren play outside because she’s afraid they might be injured by gunfire. “It’s getting ridiculous,” O’Brien-Munis said. “Since I’ve been here, this is the worst.”
No arrests have been made in either incident. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 35 shootings in Cedar Rapids. Police Chief Wayne Jerman says finding the people who are responsible for the gunfire is his top priority. “I’m as concerned, if not more, than the residents are concerned,” Jerman said. There were 56 shootings all of last year in Cedar Rapids.
Investigators believe many of the shootings are related and involve the same group of 10 to 20 people. “They’re not rival gangs, but for whatever reason, they have some serious disagreements and they choosing to settle these disagreements by way of gunfire,” Jerman said. Police are calling on witnesses and victims to help them track down suspects. Jerman said key information might be as simple as a description of the shooter’s vehicle.
(Reporting by Forrest Saunders, KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids)