(Avoca) An Avoca man has pleaded not guilty in connection to an October shooting incident.
The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office says 28-year-old Shaun Patrick McCarthy was charged with domestic abuse assault, attempt to commit murder, reckless use of a firearm, going armed with intent, three counts of child endangerment – substantial risk, and willful injury resulting in bodily injury.
(Update) A jury trial is scheduled for February 10th.
On October 9th, 2025, at about 8:12 p.m., the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office took a call of a person injured in a shooting in the town of Avoca. The victim suffered minor injuries in the shooting. Deputies arrived on scene and determined the shooting occurred at a rural residence just west of Avoca, that the suspect was believed to still be in the home with minor children, and more gunfire was reported from the rural residence.
The Pottawattamie County Emergency Response Team and Negotiators responded to the scene west of Avoca. While deploying to the residence more gunfire was heard coming from near the home, and a male suspect, identified as Shaun McCarthy, was located outside. After a brief standoff, Shaun was taken into custody, and the minor children were found to be safe and unharmed inside the home.
The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol.
