News Service

3-16-08

Update: 9:45 a.m. March 16, 2008

Man arrested and charged in Willow Hall incident at ISU

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University Police have arrested and charged Jawon R. Jackson, age 20, of Aurora, Ill., with going armed with intent (a Class D felony), carrying a weapon on school grounds (a Class D felony) and first degree harassment (an aggravated misdemeanor) in connection with an early morning incident at Willow Hall today (Sunday, March 16).

ISU Police received a call at 12:55 a.m. today reporting a man with a gun on the sixth floor of Willow Hall, a student residence on the east side of the Iowa State campus. Upon receiving the report of an armed individual in Willow Hall, Iowa State officials activated the ISU Alert system, which sends emergency messages to students, faculty and staff via phone, text messages and e-mail.

Approximately 30 students were in Willow Hall at the time of the incident. Most Iowa State students are away on spring break. Willow Hall residents were asked to stay in their rooms. At 2:20 a.m., they were advised it was safe to resume normal activities.

Jackson was located in a Willow Hall room within approximately one hour of the call to police. No gun has been found at this time.

Jackson's arrest is based on multiple witness statements. The charges filed in this case are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Jackson was transported to the Story County Justice Center in Nevada and is being held pending further court action. Jackson is not an ISU student.

ISU Police continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information relevant to this case should call ISU Police at (515) 294-4428.

Students who want to speak to a counselor today are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students hotline at (515) 294-1020. Staff from ISU's Student Counseling Service will be available to meet with any students in need. The Student Counseling Service will resume regular hours tomorrow. That number is (515) 294-5056.

Agencies assisting ISU Police included the Ames Police Department, Story County Sheriff's Office and Iowa State Patrol.

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Quick look

Jawon R. Jackson, age 20, of Aurora, Ill., has been charged with going armed with intent (a Class D felony), carrying a weapon on school grounds (a Class D felony) and first degree harassment (an aggravated misdemeanor) in connection with an early morning incident at Willow Hall today (Sunday, March 16).

Incident timeline

• 2:20 a.m.: Normal activity resumed in Willow Hall
• 1:58 a.m.: Police found man, who reportedly had been seen with gun, in Willow Hall
• 1:40 a.m.: ISU Alert sent to students, faculty, staff
• 1:32 a.m.: Police locate eyewitness in a Willow Hall room and obtain additional information
• 12:55 a.m: Police receive call from student, notify area law enforcement agencies and immediately respond to scene