Three arrested after Mason City police execute search warrants in shooting probes

MASON CITY, Iowa — Mason City police arrested three men Wednesday after executing search warrants at three locations in the city as part of investigations into two shootings, authorities said.

Police Chief Mike McKelvey said officers served warrants at addresses on 5th Street NE, North Washington Avenue and 2nd Street SW. The operation led to the arrests of Derrick Ellis Jr., 19; Javione Maxwell, 21; and Dashawn Maxwell, 20, all of Mason City.

Ellis was charged with attempted murder, reckless use of a firearm, going armed with intent and two counts of participating in a riot, police said.

Maxwell, 21, was charged with attempted murder under a joint criminal conduct theory, providing false information when acquiring a pistol, and two counts of participating in a riot.

Dashawn Maxwell, 20, was charged with one count of participating in a riot.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and did not rule out additional arrests.

Authorities said the case is tied to two earlier shootings: one reported June 3 in the 1500 block of South Federal Avenue, and another reported Aug. 31, 2025, in the 700 block of North Delaware Avenue. Police did not release information on injuries or a possible motive.

The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Mason City Police Department, Clear Lake Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force and its Special Operations Group, Iowa State Patrol and its Tactical Team, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Charles City Police Department, the Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office and Mason City Neighborhood Services.

McKelvey thanked the partner agencies for their assistance.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3636.