Cops Investigate Hate Crime at SE C.R. “Magnet For Danger” House

The Cedar Rapids Gazette says this property, located at 2307 Bever Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids has gone from "nuisance property" to "magnet for danger" according to the neighbors in the area who say an uptick in noise and drive-by shootings has made them feel unsafe.

This house reportedly initially became a hotspot for danger after a drive-by shooting in December of 2019. Since then, The Gazette reports that last year, the Cedar Rapids police department noted from January 1 to Oct. 15, there were 25 disturbance calls; 13 weapon calls; two thefts; one domestic incident; and seven suspicious persons reports in connection with 2307 Bever Ave. SE.

Iowa's News Now just recently reported an act of racial vandalism against property in this neighborhood, where the words "We Win. No More _______ Here" were spray-painted on Tuesday morning. Cedar Rapids Police Department says they are investigating it as a hate crime.

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There have been eight arrests at the house since 2018 although no one currently actually lives there. Things have escalated quickly at this location from trespassing and disturbances to shots fired and even a pipe bomb exploding. The police have been working with Safe CR to address building code violations.

Police fear this property may be suffering neglect from its owner, Charles Davisson of Property Holders LTD. Davisson also owns three other properties that have been deemed nuisances and was at one point suspended from renting them out, but he is appealing that decision. The other properties are at 619 15th St. SE; 1557 Sixth Ave. SE; and 1025 20th St. SE

One resident in the neighborhood who spoke with anonymity to the Gazette said she had security cameras installed, but it hasn't seemed to stop any dangerous activity but her footage has been helping police, who it's mentioned in the Gazette article, fear the Bever Ave. is a result of an ongoing gang dispute.

A Cedar Rapids PD press releases asks anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the CRPDat (319) 286-5491 or Linn County Crime Stoppers. To submit a tip to Linn County Crime Stoppers, please call 1-800-CS-CRIME (1-800-272-7463) or text CRIMES (274637) and in the message/subject, type 5227 and your tip.