The Storm Lake Police Department responded to an early morning call around 2:30 on Thursday (May 18th) after a 17-year-old victim was struck by a vehicle while on the sidewalk. The accident occurred in the 500 Block of Oates Street where officers found a teen male suffering from injuries to his arms and legs. The victim was transported to the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment of bodily injuries.
The SLPD determined that the suspect’s vehicle vacated the scene. As the investigation continued, officers found tire tracks several feet over the curb and up onto a yard at 810 East 5th Street where the alleged hit took place. After searching through surveillance video, the suspect’s vehicle was identified. The vehicle belonged to 27-year-old Gerson Barrionuavo-Corbonel, of Lakeside, who was found to be residing at 305B Lakeshore Drive.
Storm Lake Police conducted a more in-depth analysis. They found Barrionuavo-Corbonel had been working as a clerk at Midtown in Storm Lake when a male subject entered the business and then shoplifted liquor valued at $50. The subject fled the store on foot heading westbound. Police allege that Barrionuavo-Corbonel left the store, entered a 2006 Silver Jeep Liberty, and began following the subject.
Police also allege that Barrionuavo-Corbonel intentionally drove off the road in the 500 Block of Oates Street into the yard, hitting the 17-year-old male, then fleeing the scene. He was taken into custody being charged with Assault with a dangerous weapon (an aggravated misdemeanor); Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident (a serious misdemeanor); Reckless Driving (a simple misdemeanor); and Operation Without a Valid Drivers License (a simple misdemeanor). Barrionuavo-Corbonel was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on a $3,600 bond.
