Man in custody for air rifle threat near Port Charlotte Walmart

PORT CHARLOTTE - A man is in custody after allegedly pointing an air rifle at passing cars near a Walmart. Some shoppers said they're not surprised by the incident, while others were hoping for more cheerful news as the holidays approach.

According to a Charlotte County police report, a witness saw Alonso-Preto pointing an air rifle at cars and even heard a "pop," suspecting he fired it.

When deputies arrived, they found Alonso-Preto sitting under a palm tree with a blanket on his lap and the air rifle hidden underneath.

Gig McClain, a frequent Walmart shopper, expressed disbelief at the situation.

"Wow, Merry Christmas, right?" said McClain. "This time of the year, people are on edge. People are trying to hurry up and stuff. So maybe he got in a situation where he was in a hurry and somebody made him mad or something, and he just went off or something."

Alonso-Preto is facing charges of improper exhibition of dangerous weapons or firearms and armed trespassing. Lazaro's motive for the alleged actions remains unclear. 

He remains in Charlotte County Jail with bail set at $7,500.