Storm Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The Buena Vista County Attorney’s office says there is no evidence to file charges against a driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in the Storm Lake Walmart parking lot.
Security footage show 49 year old Valentin Ventura-Mora of Storm Lake was talking hands-free on his cell phone – which is allowed by Iowa law – when he struck 84 year old Larry Spiess of Alta. The July 23rd incident was investigated by the Storm Lake Police Department with their evidence handed over the county attorney’s office.
Spiess was transported to the hospital in Storm Lake where he later passed away of injuries.
A statement from the County Attorney’s office says they are aware of “community concerns” about the case unrelated to the immediate cause of the traffic accident, and the decision not to pursue prosecution addresses only evidence that would support a conviction under Iowa laws.