Bautista arrested in shooting of Red Oak man
RED OAK — Two Red Oak men are in Omaha hospitals recovering from gunshot wounds following an argument at a barbecue Friday night.
Rafael Bautista was charged Saturday morning for attempted murder after allegedly shooting Clyde Everett Zeigler, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
An emergency alert was issued Saturday morning, warning Red Oak residents of an armed criminal suspect, urging them to shut and lock their doors as police and sheriff’s deputies pursued Bautista. Bautista, 31, was arrested around 9 a.m. in Red Oak and according to the DCI, had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Several hours before his arrest in Red Oak, residents received a second "all-clear"call, indicating authorities believed he had left the area.
Bautista is being treated at Creighton University Medical and when released, will be transported to the Montgomery County Jail.
A complaint and affidavit filed by the DCI investigator stated Zeigler, 36, went to Bautista’s home at 407 4th Ave. in Red Oak late Friday afternoon to take part in a cookout.
A witness reported sometime after 10 p.m., Zeigler, and Bautista began arguing over a recent personal property transaction.
Bautista then went inside his home and came out waving a pistol “indiscriminately.” Zeigler then started yelling at Bautista and at one point, a witness “felt the need to place herself in front of Zeigler as a shield from Bautista.”
Moments later, the DCI investigator reported Bautista intentionally pointed and fired the pistol, causing Zeigler to suffer a gunshot wound.
After being shot, Zeigler sat on a chair and told Bautista he wanted to go home. The witness reported Bautista said “no, we’re going to finish this.” Zeigler stood up and struggled with Bautista, which resulted in Bautista firing the pistol multiple times in an “erratic” manner.
Zeigler then fell to the ground with multiple gunshot wounds to the lower torso and leg areas of the body.
Zeigler was flown by air ambulance to an Omaha hospital and remains in critical condition.
In addition to attempted murder, Bautista is also charged with willful injury and armed with intent. His bond is currently $50,000.
The incident continues to be investigated by the Red Oak Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory.