Atlantic Police Lt. Devin Hogue, Tuesday afternoon, released additional information with regard to an incident involving a gun, that took place the afternoon of April 3rd, at the Dollar General Store.  Hogue reports upon reviewing the incident and in-store video, County Attorney Vanessa Strazdus determined that 45-year old Jeptha Vestal, of Atlantic, was the initial aggressor, and that Vestal acted in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to feel threatened with imminent violence.

Strazdas also determined that the person who displayed the gun was acting within his rights under Iowa’s statutes regarding self defense and defense of others. Lt. Hogue said “fortunately, the situation quickly de-escalated with no injuries.

Jeptha Vestal was charged with disorderly conduct, a simple misdemeanor. All criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.