STORM LAKE, IOWA – A Northern Iowa neighborhood was allegedly terrorized by this BB gun-toting suspect who aimed and fired at his victim, striking them in the face, and cops had to bring in their tactical units to haul the goon out of his lair.
On Monday, August 18, 2025, at approximately 7:10 PM, the Storm Lake Police Department was called to the area of the 700 block of Elmwood Drive for a report of a man on foot carrying a handgun and making threats. Police responded to the area and conducted a search for the male suspect. After on-scene investigation involving reviewing area video surveillance and speaking with witnesses, police identified the male suspect in the incident as Jose Ramirez, age 26 of Storm Lake. Police allege Ramirez arrived in the 700 block of Elmwood Drive on a bicycle and was then on foot, carrying an object that appeared to be a handgun, shouting to residents that he was going to kill someone. Police allege Ramirez entered a home in the 700 block of Elmwood Drive without permission then exited on foot. Police allege that a victim then confronted Ramirez in the roadway, at which time Ramirez shot the victim multiple times with a BB gun in the face and upper body area. The victim then fled the scene and sought treatment at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center for bodily injuries.
The Storm Lake Police Department, Storm Lake Police Department Entry Team, Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department and Buena Vista County Sheriff Tactical Team searched and cleared the area of the 700 Block of Elmwood Drive and did not locate Ramirez at that time. Residents in the area were asked to shelter in place, remain indoors, and call police if they saw anything suspicious.
Law Enforcement then received information that Ramirez was at his residence at 720 Grand Avenue in Storm Lake. Law Enforcement then responded and established a perimeter around the home at approximately 8:45 pm, attempting to negotiate with the residents to exit.
At approximately 9:20 PM, Ramirez and other occupants exited the residence at 720 Grand Avenue where they were secured without incident.
Storm Lake Police later obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence at 720 Grand Avenue, locating evidence from the assault.
As a result of the investigation the Storm Police Department filed the following charges against Jose Ramirez:
– Burglary – 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
– Threats of Terrorism, a Class D Felony
– Willful Injury causing Bodily Injury, a Class D Felony
– Going Armed with Intent, a Class D Felony
– Assault While Participating in a Felony, a Class D Felony
– Harassment – 1st Degree, an Aggravated Misdemeanor
– Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor
– Disorderly Conduct, a simple misdemeanor
Ramirez was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail where he was held on a $33,000 bond.
The Storm Lake Police Department was assisted in the incident by the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department and the Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office.