MASON CITY – An Iowa man was in Mason City recently allegedly causing a number of disturbances as he carried a stun gun, leading to his arrest.
On Dec. 20, 2015, Mason City officers were called to Applebee’s after 58-year-old Joseph Vandal of Liberty, Iowa, had caused some commotion there at about 1:30 AM. Officers investigated and arrested him on a charge of carrying a dangerous weapon.
Police tell NIT they had dealt with Vandam at different locations during the previous two days, including at 502 South Federal Avenue and 304 South Penn Avenue. On one occasion, Vandam reportedly had a stun gun concealed on his person and he does not have a concealed weapon permit. He was not charged at that time as officers were still investigating the theft of the stun gun. The owner of the weapon did not want to press charges as long as they got the stun gun back.
When officers spoke to Vandam on December 20 during the call to Applebee’s, they arrested him on a charge of carrying dangerous weapons from the December 18 incident, as well as disorderly conduct. NIT is seeking more details on the earlier incident from police.
Police say he was not armed during the incident at Applebee’s.
Vandam remains jailed on bond as he awaits a court date on January 5.
