2 charged with attempted murder after trying to steal 2 ounces of weed, police say

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – Two men are charged with attempted murder after police say one of them shot a person in the neck after trying to steal marijuana.

Court documents show 19-year-old Tavion L. Ruff and 18-year-old Jonathan A. Thorson, both of Davenport, were arrested Wednesday in connection with a shooting.

The investigation began when police arrived at Genesis East on Oct. 27 for a report of a victim with a gunshot wound to the neck.

According to the arrest affidavit, Ruff and Thorson got into the backseat of the victim’s vehicle on Jebens Avenue to steal 2 ounces of marijuana. Thorson is accused of shooting three times at close range, hitting the victim in the neck.

The couple left and returned to an apartment in the 7200 block of Hillandale Road.

The victim was taken to Genesis East and continues to receive medical care there.

The Thorson and Ruff were arrested Wednesday at the Scott County Jail on charges of:

attempted murder, a class B felony;
first-degree theft, a class B misdemeanor;
intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a class C misdemeanor;
intentional wounding causing serious injury, a class C misdemeanor;
conspiracy to commit a crime with violence, a class C misdemeanor;
assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Thorson and Ruff were positively identified on video before, during and after the shooting. Interviews with the victim, witnesses and text messages also contributed to the identification of the suspect and co-suspect.

Thorson also faces charges in an unrelated case.

When he was arrested on Brady Street on Wednesday, he was found with a stolen handgun in his waistband.

The stolen Ruger 9mm pistol was stolen from Des Moines.

Officers found 6.65 grams of marijuana in the car.