According to a press release, on Wednesday, June 18th at approximately 9:13 pm the Storm Lake Police Department was called to a report of a suspicious package at Walmart, located at 1831 North Lake Avenue in Storm Lake. The Storm Lake Police Department and Storm Lake Fire Department responded to the scene and observed a suspicious package placed next to the propane exchange near the North entrance of Walmart. Walmart was evacuated and a permitter was secured. Bomb technicians with the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and ultimately determined the package not hazardous. The scene was deemed safe, and Walmart was reopened at approximately 1:00 am.
Police launched an investigation into the incident involving interviews with witnesses and review of available video surveillance in area. As a result of the investigation a suspect was identified as Andrew Connor, age 43 of Lakeside. Connor was alleged to have transported a case to Walmart by bicycle, placing the case by the propane exchange and announcing to pedestrians nearby it was a “mystery box” and rode away on his bicycle.
Police located Connor on Friday June 20th at around 4:30 pm in the 1600 Block of Lake Avenue. Police allege that upon attempting to take Connor into custody reference the incident he physically resisted officers. He was subdued and taken into custody without further incident. Connor was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a small amount of methamphetamine. Connor was transported to the Buena Vista County Jail where he was charged with the following:
Threats of Terrorism, a Class D Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine, a Serious Misdemeanor
Interference with Official Acts, a Simple Misdemeanor
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Simple Misdemeanor
Connor was booked and held on a $5,000 bond.
The Storm Lake Police Department was assisted in the investigation by:
• Walmart management
• Storm Lake Fire Department
• Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department
• Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office
• Buena Vista Regional Medical Center EMS
• Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office
• Storm Lake Public Works Department
• Sioux City Fire Department Hazmat