MASON CITY — Three Mason City men were arrested Wednesday after police and multiple law enforcement agencies executed search warrants tied to ongoing shooting investigations, including the June gunfire incident outside the South Federal Avenue Kwik Star.
The Mason City Police Department said search warrants were executed on July 1, 2026, at three Mason City locations: 126 ½ 5th Street NE, 418 N. Washington Avenue #4 and 415 2nd Street SW.
As a result of those operations, Derrick Ellis Jr., 19, of Mason City, was arrested and charged with attempt to commit murder, reckless use of a firearm, going armed with intent and two counts of participating in a riot.
Javione Maxwell, 21, of Mason City, was arrested and charged with attempt to commit murder under joint criminal conduct, false information when acquiring a pistol and two counts of participating in a riot.
Dashawn Maxwell, 20, of Mason City, was arrested and charged with participating in a riot.
Police said the arrests stem from ongoing investigations into a reported shooting at 1502 South Federal Avenue on June 3, 2026, and a reported shooting in the 700 block of North Delaware Avenue on August 31, 2025.
The South Federal Avenue address is the location of the Kwik Star where Mason City police previously said gunfire erupted after an argument near the gas pumps. One person was taken to the hospital after that incident, and police said at the time that the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. NIT’s earlier story on that shooting is available here: Gunfire erupts outside South Federal Kwik Star in Mason City, one person taken to hospital.
The July 1 search warrant operation brought together a large group of local, state and federal agencies.
Agencies involved included the Mason City Police Department, Clear Lake Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force, North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force Special Operations Group, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Patrol Tactical Team, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Charles City Police Department, Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office and Mason City Neighborhood Services.
Mason City Police Chief Mike McKelvey said the investigation remains ongoing.
The arrests mark a major development in a shooting case that began in early June when violence broke out at one of Mason City’s busiest convenience stores. The new charges also suggest investigators are examining possible links between multiple violent incidents in the city.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation. Ellis, Javione Maxwell and Dashawn Maxwell are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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