An investigation launched by the Storm Lake Police Department following a traffic stop last month led to felony charges for a Storm Lake man. According to law enforcement, officers conducted a traffic stop on April 10, and a K9 unit indicated the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed marijuana and an open container of alcohol. A 19-year-old passenger in the car, Curtis Optaia of Storm Lake, was taken into custody, and a 9mm handgun was located concealed in his pants. Optaia was booked into the Buena Vista County jail for carrying weapons while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance, serious misdemeanors, and minor in possession of alcohol, a simple misdemeanor. Additional investigation revealed the pistol had been stolen, leading to additional charges of trafficking stolen weapons, a class D felony, and third-degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor. He was arrested a second time on April 28 and remains in custody on a $5,000 bond. Optaia’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9.
