Storm Lake, IA (northwestiowanow.com) — Since the summer of 2023, Buena Vista County law enforcement has been investigating a series of large-scale, violent fights that disrupted the community, often resulting in injuries. These incidents have prompted the Buena Vista County Attorney’s Office to pursue full accountability for those involved.

On July 11, 2023, a fight at Chautauqua Park in Storm Lake led to a victim being stabbed and requiring medical treatment. Police identified six juveniles involved, five of whom were referred to juvenile court. Seventeen-year-old Eh Say was prosecuted as an adult, sentenced on January 5, 2024, to probation after receiving a deferred judgment for participating in a riot, a Class D felony.

The following day, a fight at ABC Park in Lakeside led to five adults being charged with crimes, including firearms and cocaine possession. Four of them were sentenced in 2024, with penalties ranging from jail time to probation.

On October 8, 2023, an assault and vehicle collision at a Storm Lake Casey’s store involved Tailor Khamtanh, Gabriel Catarino-Rodriguez, and June Phiengsai. Khamtanh, also linked to an August 2023 shooting, was sentenced to consecutive prison terms for intimidation and felonious firearm possession. Phiengsai and Catarino-Rodriguez each received deferred judgments and probation for participating in a riot.

In all cases, the state was represented by Assistant County Attorneys Ashley Herrig and Paul Allen.