CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Cedar Rapids Police say a 16-year-old is in custody for the shooting that killed an 18-year-old Saturday night. Police on Monday identified that victim as LaRell Rushing of Cedar Rapids. Police say Gerald Vance, of Cedar Rapids, has been arrested for Murder in the 1st Degree, Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm as a Felon. Police say Rushing was shot around 6 p.m. Saturday at a parking lot in the 600-block of 2nd Avenue SW. It was the first of two shootings that night. According to a criminal complaint, Rushing and a friend were meeting up to sell marijuana to Vance and Vance’s friend. Officers say Vance saw Rushing in the car and shot at him more than 20 times. Officers spoke to the other two at the meet up and collected video from nearby businesses that matched their statements. Officers say they later found two guns in a dumpster where Vance was seen running in video. Vance was also wearing an ankle monitor that tracked his location to the area of the shooting, according to officers. Vance is being held without bond at the Linn County Jail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 23. Vance is no stranger to law enforcement. In June, he was given four years of probation for a shooting that happened near West Willow Elementary as children were trick or treating on Halloween night. Police say in that incident, Vance was in an argument in the street with others when he pulled out a revolver and fired at them. One woman was hit in the back with ricochet from the gunfire. Court records for that case filed Monday say he has violated his probation agreement.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) is warning the public about reports of scammers posing as board investigators. The state says that scammers have been reaching licensing boards for doctors, dentists and nurses so far. The scammers have been saying that they have received complaints against the license of the department they’re speaking with. These scammers have the ability to program Caller ID to show the particular board’s name and phone number. Some also have the ability to access license numbers. Those that believe they are the victim of a scam should contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL at 515.281.3425 or a number for that board published at dial.iowa.gov. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, take a name, hang up, and proceed to reach out to Iowa DIAL. Common types of scams can include threats of discipline, demanding payment, requests to visit a location, email/text links that could contain a virus, and attempts to access sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card information and birth date.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A second Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control worker has sued the city for allegedly firing her after reporting safety concerns about the shelter to state officials. Lauren Hopkins alleges in a lawsuit the shelter fired her in retaliation for reporting on mold and structural issues with the shelter. In July of 2025, Hopkins reported to Cedar Rapids Assistant Manager Amanda Greider the shelter was in a “dire” situation and was over capacity and understaffed. She accused Greider of downplaying her comments and concerns. Later that month, Hopkins submitted a written complaint of Greider to the Iowa Ombudsman’s Office. In August, a new person was hired as the shelter manager. The lawsuit alleges the position was given to someone with, “no education, training or experience in working in an animal shelter environment.” Hopkins says her hourly pay was reduced without notice in February of this year, shortly before being terminated from the position. Hopkins is requesting damages, including backpay, emotional distress, attorney fees and three times her annual wages and benefits.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa City Animal Services are investigating a dog bite that occurred on Saturday, July 11. The biting incident took place around 8:30 p.m. at Fairmeadows Park on Lakeside Drive. The victim reported being bit by a stray dog while walking through the park. The dog is described as a medium-large breed with long brown and white fur. The dog did not have a collar on and ran east from the park following the bite. Iowa City Animal Services are seeking the vaccination status of the dog. Those that have information are asked to contact Iowa City Animal Services directly at 319-356-5295 or the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-6800.
