Storm Lake Police responded to a 911 call Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 22, following reports of an assault at the Storm Lake Vape and Smoke shop on Lake Avenue.
Officers arrived around 4:13 p.m. and spoke with an employee who alleged that a customer—identified as 33-year-old Miguel Fernando Espin Alcantara of Rockwell City—had been harassing staff inside the store. After being asked to leave, Alcantara reportedly began knocking on windows and making obscene gestures.
The employee said Alcantara then knocked a phone from their hand and shoved them to the ground. Police allege the two became involved in a physical altercation, during which Alcantara brandished a handgun and pointed it at the employee. Nearby witnesses intervened and contacted authorities.
During the investigation, officers seized a 9mm handgun from Alcantara, who was taken into custody without incident. He faces charges of 3rd degree harassment and assault while displaying a deadly weapon.
Alcantara was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on $2,300 bond. The Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office assisted with the investigation.
