Iowa City Fire Department Makes Arrest Following Court Street Apartment Fire

Press release from the City of Iowa City:

June 14, 2021

At 11:14 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2021, the Iowa City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 612 E. Court Street.

Fire crews brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. During the response, four occupants from the third floor sought refuge on the balcony until crews were able to bring the fire under control.

Nineteen fire personnel responded on the alarm. Outside agency support and assistance was provided by the Iowa City Police Department, Johnson County Ambulance Service, and Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The fire caused damage to the third floor of the structure and smoke damage throughout. Damage to the apartment is estimated to be $50,000.

Following an investigation by the Iowa City Police Department, Ishmael Shabazz Carter of Iowa City was charged with Arson in the First Degree in connection with this incident. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

View the charges here.

This press release was produced by the City of Iowa City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.