Cedar Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge After Fleeing Police

Darrell Jawon Wilson faces up to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:08pm

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An extreme close-up of a metallic gun magazine reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the illegal possession of firearms.A recent guilty plea for illegal firearm possession highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Cedar Rapids.Cedar Rapids Today

An 18-year-old Cedar Rapids man has pleaded guilty in federal court to a firearm charge after running from officers and dropping a gun during a 2025 incident in Waterloo. Darrell Jawon Wilson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon during a hearing in Cedar Rapids, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence and illegal firearm possession, particularly among repeat offenders. Felon-in-possession charges are a common tool used by prosecutors to take dangerous weapons off the streets and hold individuals accountable.

The details

Authorities say officers responded on October 1, 2025, to a report of two masked men looking into vehicles near a liquor store in Waterloo. When officers arrived, Wilson fled on foot. During the pursuit, an officer observed Wilson pull a gun from his waistband before he fell and dropped it. Officers later recovered the firearm along the pursuit path. Wilson has prior felony convictions, including conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and going armed with intent.

  • On October 1, 2025, officers responded to a report of suspicious activity in Waterloo.
  • During the pursuit, Wilson dropped a gun that officers later recovered.

The players

Darrell Jawon Wilson

An 18-year-old Cedar Rapids man who pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa

The federal prosecutor's office that handled Wilson's case.

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What’s next

Wilson remains in custody pending sentencing. He faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence and illegal firearm possession, particularly among repeat offenders. Felon-in-possession charges are a common tool used by prosecutors to take dangerous weapons off the streets and hold individuals accountable.