Man Who Allegedly Brandished Gun in West Des Moines Reportedly Has Long Criminal Record

West Des Moines police are investigating a 42-year-old De Soto man for first-degree harassment after he allegedly brandished a handgun at a couple and made racially threatening remarks after an apparent disagreement over a parking space at a convenience store on Dec. 22.

A 30-year-old Urbandale man told West Des Moines Police Officer Matthew Granzow that his girlfriend was attempting back from a parking spot at Casey’s General Store at 1850 22nd St. when the suspect reportedly pulled into a parking spot next to her, parking too close for her to execute a reverse turn.

He said he asked the man if he would mind moving his vehicle. The suspect replied with an impudent remark, then removed a handgun from his waistband, displayed it and said, “You want some of this?”

A clerk questioned by police reported that the suspect was “very belligerent” and possibly intoxicated. He reportedly said, “Those (racial slur) had better get away from my car before I shoot them,” then pointed to his left hip. “Back home, we don’t let those (racial slur) woot-woot.”

According to Granzow’s report, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office officials have “had many encounters with the suspect.” According to Iowa Courts Online, he has a lengthy history of domestic abuse, drunken driving and assault charges.