18-Year-Old Jessie Javon Small Arrested Following Weapons Incident at Walmart in Waterloo: Three to Four Individuals Allegedly Brandish Firearms, No Injuries Reported, Investigation Ongoing
WATERLOO, Iowa – An 18-year-old Waterloo man, Jessie Javon Small, has been arrested and is facing multiple criminal charges after a reported weapons incident at the Walmart located on Flammang Drive on the afternoon of Saturday, April 5, 2025. The event unfolded when authorities responded to a concerning call around 2:15 p.m., with reports indicating that several individuals had allegedly brandished firearms in the parking lot of the retail store.
The incident, which has caused a stir in the community, was marked by the swift action of the Waterloo Police Department. Upon arriving at the scene, officers noted that the majority of the individuals involved had fled the area, prompting an immediate search of the premises. As the search unfolded, one individual was believed to have entered the store. Officers continued their pursuit, and it was soon confirmed that the suspect had attempted to flee on foot. The pursuit was brief, and the suspect was ultimately apprehended.
The individual in question was later identified as Jessie Javon Small, a resident of Waterloo. Upon his arrest, a handgun was recovered, and authorities confirmed that no shots were fired and that there were no reported injuries connected to the incident.
As of now, Small is facing several charges, including:
- Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons
- Assault While Displaying a Weapon
- Interference with Official Acts
- Possession of Marijuana
Despite the seriousness of the situation, police have stated that no injuries occurred during the altercation. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are asking anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward and contact the Waterloo Police Department.
While the full scope of the incident is still under review, officials are emphasizing the importance of community cooperation to help piece together the details of what transpired that Saturday afternoon at Walmart.
The event has sparked concern in the local area, but the Waterloo Police Department has assured the public that they are actively working to ensure the safety of the community and address the situation through the ongoing investigation.
In the meantime, as the investigation continues, law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional individuals being involved in the incident. Given the fact that reports initially indicated three to four people were involved in brandishing firearms, the police are still seeking to identify any other suspects who may have fled the scene.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks that can arise in public spaces, and while no injuries occurred in this case, it also highlights the importance of addressing firearms-related issues in urban environments. The charges faced by Jessie Small are significant, and should he be convicted, they carry substantial legal consequences.
For now, the community awaits further developments as the investigation continues to unfold, and the Waterloo Police Department urges anyone with information to assist in the process of bringing clarity to this case.
Details of the Incident
On the afternoon of Saturday, April 5, 2025, a series of disturbing events unfolded at the Walmart located on Flammang Drive in Waterloo. At approximately 2:15 p.m., the Waterloo Police Department received multiple reports from concerned citizens who witnessed what appeared to be a group of individuals brandishing firearms in the parking lot of the busy retail location.
Upon arrival, officers found that the majority of the suspects had fled the scene, which led to an immediate search of the area, including inside the Walmart store itself. Officers suspected one of the individuals had entered the building to avoid detection.
At that point, officers initiated a search inside the Walmart. During the search, they located a suspect who immediately attempted to flee the store on foot. A brief foot pursuit ensued, but officers were able to apprehend the suspect without any further incident.
The individual apprehended was identified as 18-year-old Jessie Javon Small, a resident of Waterloo. Following his arrest, a handgun was recovered by authorities. Investigators quickly confirmed that no shots had been fired during the altercation and that no one had been injured in connection with the incident.
While the situation was alarming, the swift actions of the Waterloo Police Department helped bring the situation under control with minimal disruption. The store remained operational throughout the incident, and customers were not harmed. The situation also serves as an important reminder of the need for swift and decisive police action in maintaining public safety.
The Charges Against Jessie Javon Small
Jessie Small, the lone individual apprehended during the incident, is now facing a series of criminal charges. These charges include:
- Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons – Under Iowa law, certain individuals are prohibited from possessing dangerous weapons due to factors such as age or criminal background. This charge suggests that Small may have been carrying a firearm in violation of these restrictions.
- Assault While Displaying a Weapon – This charge is based on the report that Small and others allegedly brandished firearms during the incident. The charge of assault while displaying a weapon is serious, as it can carry significant legal penalties in the state of Iowa.
- Interference with Official Acts – This charge stems from Small’s attempt to flee the scene and evade authorities during the search and apprehension process. Interference with official acts is a criminal offense that can lead to additional penalties, particularly if the individual actively resists law enforcement.
- Possession of Marijuana – During the arrest, authorities discovered marijuana in Small’s possession. In Iowa, possession of marijuana is illegal and can lead to criminal charges, particularly if the individual is found in possession of a significant amount.
Each of these charges is serious and reflects the severity of the incident. Should Small be convicted on all counts, he could face significant time behind bars and other legal consequences. The fact that no one was injured during the incident may work in his favor during the legal proceedings, but the presence of firearms and the potential for violence has made this case one of particular interest to local authorities and the general public.
Investigation Continues
The Waterloo Police Department has confirmed that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. While Small has been apprehended and is facing multiple charges, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that other individuals may have been involved.
Reports from witnesses initially indicated that there were three to four individuals who were allegedly brandishing firearms in the parking lot, but it remains unclear whether any of these other individuals are known to authorities or if they have been identified. The police are continuing to gather evidence and speaking with witnesses to piece together the details of the event.
Anyone with additional information is being urged to come forward and assist in the investigation. As with any case involving firearms, authorities are particularly concerned with identifying any additional individuals who may have been involved in the incident and who may pose a further threat to public safety.
Walmart’s Role in the Incident
While Walmart itself was not directly responsible for the incident, the event highlights the potential risks associated with large public spaces and retail locations. With thousands of people visiting stores like Walmart each day, the possibility of an incident involving weapons or other forms of violence is a real concern.
In this case, Walmart’s security team and local law enforcement worked together to ensure the safety of the store’s patrons. The store remained open throughout the incident, and there were no reports of injuries or harm to customers or employees.
The fact that the situation was contained without any shots being fired or serious injuries occurring is a testament to the effectiveness of the police response and the measures taken by Walmart to maintain security.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked a wave of concern throughout the Waterloo community. Many residents are wondering how such an event could occur in a busy public space and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Local community leaders have expressed their concern over the use of firearms in public spaces, and some have called for greater attention to be paid to gun violence prevention. At the same time, residents have commended the Waterloo Police Department for their swift and effective response to the situation.
As the investigation continues, local officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity they may witness. The goal is to ensure the safety and security of all individuals in the community, particularly in high-traffic areas such as retail locations.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation into the weapons incident at Walmart continues, the Waterloo Police Department remains committed to uncovering all the details of what occurred that afternoon. The charges against Jessie Javon Small reflect the seriousness of the situation, and the community is closely watching as the case progresses through the legal system.
For now, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward, and they continue to assure the public that their safety remains a top priority.
As the investigation unfolds, the story of what transpired at the Walmart in Waterloo on April 5, 2025, continues to captivate the attention of the public, and residents are eager to learn more about how this troubling incident will be resolved.
