Charges Filed in Shots Fired Investigation

Date: 12/28/19
Contacts: Lieutenant Joe Messerich, (563) 589-4473
                  Assistant Chief Jeremy Jensen, (563) 589-4444

On Dec. 24, 2019 at approximately 6:26 p.m., the Dubuque Police Department responded to 515 Almond St. after receiving a report that the residence was shot multiple times. Officers arrived on scene and found that three bullets had stuck and penetrated the residence while a forth bullet was found to have impacted the front concrete steps. This residence was occupied by a mother and her two children at the time of the shooting.

City of Dubuque traffic cameras were reviewed and investigators were able to observe a subject known to be Earnest Jones Hunt Jr, (18), of Dubuque, hanging out in the 400 block of W. Locust throughout the afternoon. Hunt was observed wearing a silver jacket with a black fur lined hood.  Hunt was also observed running from the area at 6:25 p.m. Investigators later received information that Hunt was bragging about the shooting.

On Dec. 25, 2019 police recovered three 9mm shell casings in the fenced in lot across the street from 515 Almond St.

On Dec. 25, 2019 Hunt was the subject of multiple suspicious person calls to Police. Police were able to follow Hunt on traffic cameras and it was determined that he was wearing the same coat that he had on when fleeing the scene of the 515 Almond St. shooting the day before. Investigators arrested Hunt later that day on unrelated drug charges and recovered the coat. 

Investigators spoke with Devin M. Mitchell, (19), during the investigation. Mitchell advised that on Dec. 24, 2019 he was in the area of Almond St. when the shooter fired a shot at him. Mitchell’s description of the shooter matched Hunt and Mitchell advised the shooter had just been released from jail on a $5,000 bond. Hunt was released from the Dubuque County Jail on Dec. 22, 2019 on a $5,000 cash bond. Mitchell reported that on Dec. 24, 2019 he had been dropped off in the area of W. Locust St. and Ellis St. at approximately 3:15 p.m. and at that time he observed the shooter (Hunt).  Mitchell advised he started to cut between houses heading towards Almond St. and the shooter fired a single shot at him. Mitchell reported he then ran to his girlfriend’s residence at 515 Almond St. City of Dubuque traffic cameras show both Mitchell and Hunt in the area at that time.

Mitchell reported that shortly after running to 515 Almond St., Hunt called him via Facebook Messenger video chat. Hunt told Mitchell to come outside and would later call Mitchell again via video chat at approximately 5:51 p.m.  Mitchell did not answer the second call and at approximately 6:24 p.m. the residence was shot multiple times.

Hunt is currently in the Dubuque County Jail on unrelated drug related charges stemming from his Dec. 25, 2019 arrest. Additional charges related to the shooting have been filed and are as follows:

One count of Attempted Murder, a Class B Felony. A Class B Felony is punishable by confinement of no more than 25 years.

One count of Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, a Class C Felony. A Class C Felony is punishable by confinement by no more than 10 years, and shall be sentenced to a fine of at least one thousand dollars but no more than ten thousand dollars. 

Two counts of Going Armed with Intent, both Class D Felonies.  A Class D Felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years, and shall be sentenced to a fine of at least seven hundred fifty dollars but no more than seven thousand five hundred dollars.

Two counts of Carrying Weapons, both Aggravated Misdemeanors.  An Aggravated Misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment not to exceed two years. There shall be a fine of at least six hundred twenty five dollars but not to exceed six thousand two hundred fifty dollars. 

As with any criminal case, the charges filed are allegations and any suspects are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. If you have any information on this incident or others, please call the Dubuque Police Department at 563-589-4415 or Crime Stoppers at 800-747-0117 or 563-588-0714 (if the information leads to an arrest, the caller is eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000). You can also submit tips anonymously online at www.cityofdubuque.org/police or through the MyDBQ smartphone app available at www.cityofdubuque.org/MyDBQ.