Jessie Javon Small Arrested Following Weapon Incident at Walmart in Waterloo, Iowa, Involving Three to Four Individuals Brandishing Firearms – No Injuries Reported
WATERLOO, IOWA – In a tense and rapidly unfolding situation, 18-year-old Jessie Javon Small of Waterloo was arrested in connection with a weapons-related incident at the Walmart located on Flammang Drive on Saturday afternoon, April 5, 2025. The incident, which involved three to four individuals allegedly brandishing firearms in the Walmart parking lot, quickly escalated into a chaotic scene that prompted a swift response from local law enforcement.
According to the Waterloo Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after 2:15 p.m. after receiving multiple reports of individuals with firearms. By the time law enforcement arrived, most of the individuals involved had already fled the area. However, one suspect—later identified as Small—was believed to have entered the Walmart store, where authorities believe he attempted to evade capture by fleeing on foot.
A brief foot pursuit ensued inside the store, culminating in Small’s apprehension by officers. During the arrest, a handgun was recovered. Small now faces multiple charges, including Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons, Assault While Displaying a Weapon, Interference with Official Acts, and Possession of Marijuana.
Although tensions were high, police confirmed that no shots were fired during the incident, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The investigation into the event is still ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Unfolding Details of the Incident
The afternoon of April 5, 2025, began like any other for shoppers at the Walmart on Flammang Drive in Waterloo, Iowa. But within a short time, the parking lot outside the store was transformed into a scene of alarm as reports emerged of several individuals wielding firearms. It is believed that the suspects were engaging in some form of confrontation when they brandished their weapons, although details on the nature of the altercation remain scarce.
As the police rushed to the scene, they were met with a chaotic environment. Witnesses described seeing multiple individuals walking away from the area at a rapid pace, seemingly aware that authorities were closing in. Officers immediately initiated a search, quickly determining that the situation involved more than just a few individuals. Some had already fled into nearby areas, but one suspect was thought to have taken refuge inside the Walmart store itself.
The arrival of law enforcement prompted an immediate lockdown of the premises, with officers focusing their attention on locating the suspect inside the store. With no information on whether the individual was still armed, the situation remained volatile, and officers proceeded with caution. Surveillance footage later indicated that Small, the suspect in question, was seen moving through aisles inside the Walmart, likely attempting to evade capture.
Small’s attempt to flee the scene was met with a brief foot chase inside the store. Authorities noted that Small appeared to be trying to escape when he was cornered by officers. At this point, he was quickly apprehended without further incident, and the handgun in his possession was seized by police officers.
The Arrest of Jessie Javon Small
Jessie Javon Small, an 18-year-old from Waterloo, Iowa, was taken into custody shortly after the pursuit. Small’s arrest was the culmination of a tense and rapidly escalating situation. Authorities were initially unclear about the suspect’s identity, but once detained, Small was identified and arrested on multiple charges.
The charges against Small are serious and reflect the nature of the alleged crime. He faces Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons, which indicates that he may have been prohibited from possessing firearms due to his age or criminal history. Additionally, Small is charged with Assault While Displaying a Weapon, suggesting that he may have used the firearm to intimidate or threaten others during the incident.
Another significant charge Small faces is Interference with Official Acts, a crime that often accompanies situations in which suspects actively resist or attempt to evade law enforcement officers. Finally, Small is also charged with Possession of Marijuana, which may indicate that drugs were discovered either on his person or within the vehicle during the investigation.
The arrest of Small has raised concerns within the local community regarding the proliferation of firearms and the potential danger posed by individuals carrying weapons unlawfully. It also highlighted the swift and effective response from the Waterloo Police Department, who were able to apprehend Small without further escalation.
Details of the Charges Against Jessie Small
The charges against Jessie Small paint a troubling picture of the events that took place outside and inside the Walmart store. The most serious charge is likely Assault While Displaying a Weapon, which suggests that Small might have either used or threatened to use a firearm to intimidate others. Under Iowa state law, assault with a weapon can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The charge of Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons indicates that Small may have been prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his age, previous criminal record, or other disqualifying factors. This charge is particularly concerning as it suggests a violation of state laws designed to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals deemed unfit to carry them.
The Interference with Official Acts charge stems from Small’s efforts to evade the police. While not as severe as the other charges, it nonetheless reflects the suspect’s resistance to law enforcement officers during the course of their investigation. This charge is typically used when suspects fail to comply with police orders or flee from the scene of a crime.
Finally, Possession of Marijuana is a lesser charge but still noteworthy in this context. It indicates that law enforcement discovered marijuana either on Small’s person or within the vehicle associated with him. Given the state’s evolving stance on marijuana use, the presence of the drug may play a role in the broader investigation, although it appears to be a secondary concern compared to the other charges.
Walmart Incident and Response from Law Enforcement
The incident at Walmart on Flammang Drive sent ripples of concern throughout the Waterloo community. For many, the sight of police officers swarming the parking lot and entering the store was a reminder of the increasing frequency of such incidents in public spaces. Fortunately, no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. The swift and decisive actions of the Waterloo Police Department were crucial in preventing what could have been a far more dangerous situation.
In situations like these, where individuals brandish firearms in public places, law enforcement agencies must balance the need for a quick response with the importance of ensuring the safety of civilians and officers alike. The Waterloo Police Department’s handling of the event has been praised for its professionalism and restraint.
Officers on the scene were able to quickly assess the situation, secure the area, and focus on the immediate task of apprehending the suspect. Despite the potential threat posed by Small and the possibility that others may have been involved, law enforcement managed to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.
Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
As of the latest updates, the investigation into the events at Walmart on April 5, 2025, remains ongoing. The authorities have indicated that they are still gathering information and reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to determine the full extent of the incident. While Jessie Small has been arrested and charged, investigators have not ruled out the involvement of other individuals.
The Waterloo Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in providing any additional information that may help in the investigation. Those with knowledge of the incident are encouraged to contact local law enforcement authorities to assist in piecing together the events that led to the altercation and the brandishing of firearms in the parking lot.
At this time, there is no indication that anyone else has been arrested or is facing charges related to the incident. However, given the involvement of multiple individuals in the reported weapons display, it is possible that further arrests could occur as the investigation progresses.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The incident at Walmart in Waterloo has raised concerns within the local community about public safety, particularly with regard to the presence of firearms in public spaces. As gun violence remains a point of debate in many parts of the country, incidents like this serve to underscore the need for continued conversations about gun control and public safety.
In the aftermath of the incident, local residents have expressed both relief that no injuries were sustained and frustration over the apparent ease with which individuals can access firearms. Many have called for stronger laws to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who may pose a threat to public safety.
Some community leaders have pointed to the quick response of law enforcement as a positive outcome, emphasizing that the situation could have been much worse had the police not acted quickly. At the same time, there is growing concern about the underlying issues of gun violence and illegal firearm possession.
Next Steps and Future Developments
The arrest of Jessie Javon Small and the ongoing investigation represent just the beginning of what may become a broader discussion on gun violence, safety, and the role of law enforcement in responding to such incidents. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will be released about the individuals involved and the precise sequence of events that led to the weapons display at Walmart.
For now, the Waterloo community is left grappling with the reality of another high-profile weapons-related incident. As authorities work to piece together the details and bring any other responsible parties to justice, questions about the role of firearms in public spaces and the safety of local communities are likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse.
