14-year-old who shot gun at police faces attempted murder and other charges

He was charged as a juvenile offender and will be sent to a state training school until he turns 18

CEDAR RAPIDS – A 14-year-old who stole a 9mm handgun from a car, broke into a convenience store, fired the gun at another convenience store and at a Hiawatha police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to all charges as a juvenile delinquent .

After Christopher McDaniel was arrested on May 2 and prosecuted as a juvenile delinquent, he was released to adult court (District Court) – meaning his sentencing will be deferred until he turns 18.

The Linn County Juvenile Court will order that McDaniel be sent to the Boys State Training School in Eldora until he turns 18. He will then go before a district judge, who will decide whether he should be released, have his sentence deferred, or be sentenced to prison or probation.

The teenager appeared in court Thursday with his attorney and pleaded guilty to attempted murder of a peace officer and intentional intimidation with a dangerous weapon, both felonies. His guardian did not attend the hearing.

Patrick McMullen, McDaniels’ attorney, said he would enter written guilty pleas to other charges: third-degree burglary without a vehicle, a Class D felony; and third-degree burglary-vehicle, use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a felony, first-degree harassment and third-degree criminal mischief, all serious misdemeanors; and persons not authorized to carry dangerous weapons, a serious offense.

These pleas were filed after the hearing.

If McDaniel is sentenced to prison at age 18, he faces up to 40 years for the three felonies and up to 10 years for the misdemeanors. His attorney would likely argue for a lesser sentence because of his age at the time of the crime.

During the hearing, 6th Judicial District Senior Judge Patrick Grady delved into the details of the crimes and explained McDaniel’s rights.

McDaniel admitted to firing the 9mm handgun that was stolen from a vehicle in Hiawatha at the Big 10 Mart at 1225 Boyson Road. in Hiawatha while people were at the supermarket. He also admitted firing the gun twice at Hiawatha Police Officer Brett Bartels with the intent to kill him.

During the plea, McDaniels said the juvenile court placed him in Four Oaks and he fled the day the crimes were committed.

According to the criminal complaint, on May 2, McDaniel stole a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm firearm valued between $750 and $1,500 from a vehicle owned by Jacob Haan at 102 Oak St., Hiawatha.

He then broke into the BP supermarket at 300 Blairs Ferry Road. in Hiawatha while the store was closed, caused an estimated $750 to $1,500 in window damage and stole items from the store.

McDaniel then went to the Big 10 Mart, where he threatened Logan Bates with the 9mm gun in the parking lot before going inside and firing shots into the ceiling while customers were in the store.

When Hiawatha police arrived at the scene, McDaniels pointed the gun at Bartels and fired twice, the complaint states.

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