At 8:25 p.m. on March 1st, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Tanya Jo Broten, 33, of Oelwein. Broten was arrested on a charge of Operating While Under the Influence (1st offense) - serious misdemeanor. This arrest was made following a traffic stop in the 100 block of 11th Ave NW.
OELWEIN PUBLIC SAFETY
CITY OF OELWEIN, IOWA
Media Release
DATE: March 1, 2023
Release: Window Decals To Assist Community Members - First Responders
Local first responders are teaming up to ensure that community members with specific needs are properly cared for. The Oelwein Police and Fire Departments, along with MercyOne Ambulance, will be distributing window decals that will provide first responders with immediate notification that an occupant of a residence or vehicle may have a specific need based on a previous diagnosis. "When our officers, fire members, and ambulance crews arrive at an incident, those moments are often times of high stress for the occupants. These window stickers will provide quick and effective information to responders at critical times," states Public Safety Chief Jeremy Logan. "By having access to a potential special circumstance, responders are better equipped to assist our community members, and therefore can result in a more positive outcome."
When officers, fire members, and ambulance crews are made aware of a special circumstance that is listed on the available stickers, residents will be offered the stickers at no charge. If a community member would like to request one of the window decals, they can contact the Oelwein Police Department Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 319-283-4311 ext. 1. An officer will personally deliver the requested sticker. Additionally, the window stickers are available to be picked up during regular office business hours at the Oelwein Police Department.
At 6:17 p.m. on February 25th, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Joshua Freedom Smith, 43, of Oelwein. Smith was arrested in the 200 block of 10th St SE on a Fayette County warrant for Assault Causing Injury and 2 warrants for Failure to Appear. Smith was also charged with Possession of Controlled Substance - felony, and Interference with Official Acts - simple misdemeanor. The Oelwein Police Department was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol.
DATE: February 24, 2023
Release: Arson 2nd Degree – Charges Filed
The Oelwein Police Department and the Oelwein Fire Department have completed their investigation into
a February 13, 2023 house fire at 632 5th Ave SW, Oelwein. The criminal charge of 2nd Degree Arson – Class C
Felony has been filed on a 16 year old male from Oelwein. The matter is being referred to Juvenile Court Services
for processing. The structure is considered a total loss with damage extending to a neighboring property.
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Release: Oelwein Fire Department Responds to House Fire
On February 22, 2023, at approximately 7:11 a.m., the Oelwein Fire Department and the Oelwein Police
Department responded to a report of a house fire at 501 5th Ave SE. Upon arrival, the smoke was observed
coming from the residence with flames visible in the interior of the residence. Fire crews were able to suppress
the fire with minimal structural damage. The preliminary investigation leads to the potential cause of the fire to
be an electrical failure.
The Oelwein Departments were assisted by Mercy One Ambulance and crews from Alliant Energy.
At 7:42 p.m. on February 19th, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Hercules Stewart, 38, of North Freedom, WI. Stewart was cited and released on a charge of Driving While License Suspended. This arrest was made following a traffic stop in the 100 block of 1st Ave SE.
At 9:09 p.m. on February 22nd, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Randall Cantrell, 55, of Oelwein. Cantrell was arrested in the 2600 block of South Frederick Ave on a Buchanan County warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Driving While License Suspended.
Oelwein Police investigated a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of 7th St and 2nd Ave SE at 1:15 p.m. on February 16th, 2023. A Chevy Cruz driven by a 17 year old male collided with a Ford Escape driven by a 17 year old female. Initial estimates of damage were $1500 to the vehicle driven by the male and $500 to the vehicle driven by the female.
Oelwein Police investigated a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of South Frederick Ave and 2nd St SE at 3:40 p.m. on February 16th, 2023. A Chevy Impala driven by a 16 year old male collided with a Ford Taurus driven by Michael Beebe. Initial estimates of damage were $1000 to the vehicle driven by the 16 year old male and $2500 to the vehicle driven by Beebe.
Oelwein Police investigated a motor vehicle accident in the 10 block of 1st Ave SE at 1:10 p.m. on February 17th, 2023. A Chevy Equinox driven by Beatrice Lenz collided with a Ford Taurus driven by a 17 year old female. Initial estimates of damage were $1000 to each vehicle.
DATE: February 16, 2023
Release: Arson 2nd Degree – Arrest Made
The Oelwein Police Department has filed a criminal complaint with the courts charging Chris Edward
Westendorf, 57, with 2nd Degree Arson – Class C Felony. This criminal charge stems from a residential house fire on
Sunday, February 12, 2023. Mr. Westendorf is currently in custody at the Fayette County Jail from a previous arrest
for probation violation. The Oelwein Police Department and the Oelwein Fire Department were assisted by the
Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office.
At 6:34 p.m. on February 15th, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Todd Wayne McCloud, 44, of Oelwein. McCloud was arrested in the 10 block of 5th St NW on a Buchanan County warrant for Probation Violation.
Oelwein Police investigated a motor vehicle accident at East Charles and 1st Ave at 3:05 p.m. on February 9th, 2023. A Ford Edge driven by Dawn Ledesma collided with a Kenworth truck driven by Travis Michels. Initial estimates of damage were $1500 to the vehicle driven by Ledesma and $1500 to the vehicle driven by Michels. Michels was cited for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device. The Oelwein Police were assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department and Mercy Oelwein Ambulance.
At 5:08 p.m. on February 9th, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Aaron David Elledge, 46, of Arlington, Elledge was arrested on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (3rd or subsequent offense) - felony, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - simple misdemeanor. This arrest was made after a citizens report of a suspicious person in the 1100 block of 1st St SE.
At 1:47 a.m. on February 11th, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Nicole Marie Harris, 36, of Tipton, Harris was arrested on a charge of Public Intoxication - simple misdemeanor. This arrest was made following a report of a disturbance in the 10 block 1st St SW.
At 7:57 p.m. on February 12th, 2023, Oelwein Police arrested Chris Edward Westendorf, 57, of Oelwein. Westendorf was arrested in the 400 block of 4 1/2 St SW on a Fayette County warrant for Violation of Probation.