Man causes explosion while smoking meth in Iowa City shelter, police say

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A man is facing multiple drug charges after the Iowa City Police Department says he caused an explosion in a winter shelter bathroom.

Officers detained Abdiqani Haji Mohamud, 44, on December 4, 2025, after police and fire responded to the incident at the Winter Extreme Temperature shelter early that morning.

The Iowa City Fire Department found no active fire when they entered the shelter’s bathroom, but there was “charred spatter” on the wall, sinks and mirrors. One of the stalls had a “melted” backpack alongside some personal items.

First responders found the source of the explosion to be a butane cannister in the backpack. Haji Mohamud told officers the backpack was his.

Officers say they found methamphetamine in Haji Mohamud’s sock during a pat down.

When questioned, Haji Mohamud told officers that he was smoking meth in the bathroom and started to put his lighter back in his backpack. The hot lighter ignited items in the bag, setting off the butane cannister.

He is facing repeat drug possession offenses.

Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.