On February 12, 2026, Oelwein Police completed an initial investigation into a single vehicle accident that occurred on January 30,2026 at around 7:15am. A red 2015 Ford F150, driven by Dennis Weaver of Oelwein, was heading eastbound on W Charles St before veering off the roadway and striking a tree in the 500 block, disabling the vehicle. The investigation also revealed that prior to striking the tree, Weaver had previously left the roadway in the 1300 block of West Charles St, where he drove through Woodlawn Cemetery before getting back on the road. Initial estimates of damages are $20,000 to the vehicle driven by Weaver. Oelwein Police were assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department, Mercy Oelwein Ambulance, Fayette County Sheriff's Office, and Midwest Collision and Towing. This accident remains under investigation, and charges in this case are pending.
At 12:09am on February 13, 2026, Oelwein Police arrested Austin Sylvester Perry, 21, of Fairbank, after responding to reports of a rapidly escalating domestic disturbance in the 200 block of 2nd Ave SE. As a result, Perry was charged with 2nd Degree Burglary - Class C Felony, 2nd Degree Arson - Class C Felony, 1st Degree Harassment (Threats) - Aggravated Misdemeanor, Driving While Barred - Aggravated Misdemeanor, Possession of a Controlled Substance - Serious Misdemeanor, Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug - Serious Misdemeanor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor.
On February 10, 2026, at 4:54pm, Oelwein Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of 1st St Ne. Officers identified the passenger as Christina Maire Heins, 50, Of Oelwein. Heins was arrested on a Fayette County Warrant for Failure to Appear.
OELWEIN PUBLIC SAFETY
CITY OF OELWEIN, IOWA
Media Release DATE:
February 10, 2026
Release: Around-the-Clock Response as Crews Tackle Two Fires
The Oelwein Fire Department responded to two separate structure fires within approximately a 12-hour period on February 9, 2026.
“Our volunteer firefighters once again demonstrated their dedication and commitment to this community,” said Oelwein Public Safety Chief Jeremy Logan. “Responding to two significant fires within a 12-hour period requires sacrifice, teamwork, and professionalism, and I am proud of the effort our members put forth to protect lives and property.”
The first fire occurred in the 200 block of 5th Avenue SE. Firefighters were paged at approximately 5:11 a.m. to a report of a fire in an unattached garage. Upon arrival, crews found the garage filled with smoke. The resident reported they were preparing to leave for the morning when they noticed a glow inside the garage. The resident was able to extinguish the visible flames, slowing the fire’s progression until fire department personnel arrived. Firefighters cleared the structure of smoke and checked for hot spots. The fire is believed to have started in a lithium battery jump pack that was being used to charge a battery. Fire personnel were on scene for approximately one hour.
The Oelwein Fire Department would like to remind residents to use caution when charging batteries. Lithium battery devices should only be charged using manufacturer-approved chargers, should not be left unattended while charging, and should be kept away from combustible materials. Damaged or overheating batteries should be disconnected immediately and safely removed from the area.
The second fire occurred later that day in the 300 block of 4th Avenue SE. Firefighters were paged at approximately 5:24 p.m. to a report of a stove fire. Shortly after the initial page, dispatch advised that the fire had spread rapidly and was now consuming much of the first floor of the structure. Police and fire personnel arrived to find a large active fire inside a two-story residence. At that time, fire had already spread through the north half of the first floor and into the second story, with flames visible coming from a window. Fire crews remained on scene for approximately three hours. The cause of the fire is believed to be a grease fire originating from a pan left on the stove. The structure is considered a total loss.
Residents are reminded that grease fires should never be extinguished with water, as this can cause the fire to spread rapidly. If safe to do so, turn off the heat source, cover the pan with a lid, or use a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires. If the fire cannot be controlled immediately, evacuate the structure and call 911.
There were no reported injuries during either incident. The Oelwein Fire Department was assisted at the second incident by Oelwein MercyOne Ambulance and Fayette County Emergency Management.
On February 9, 2026, at 9:33pm, Oelwein Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of 6th St NW. As a result of the traffic stop, Oelwein officers arrested Elisha Jeremiah Zanders, 24, of Dunkerton IA, for Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana – Simple Misdemeanor – 1st Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Simple Misdemeanor. Zanders was cited and released on a Promise to Appear. Zanders also received a citation for Speeding.
At 9:47pm, Oelwein Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of Rock Island Road. As a result of the traffic stop, Dawn Elizabeth Peterson, 24, of Sumner Iowa, was arrested on charges of Driving While Barred – Aggravated Misdemeanor, Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana – 2nd Offense – Serious Misdemeanor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Simple Misdemeanor, and Driving Without SR22 Insurance – Non-Scheduled Violation. Peterson was also cited for Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.
At 8:58pm on February 7, 2026, Oelwein Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of S Frederick Ave and Hwy 281, however the driver of the vehicle refused to stop and led officers on a brief vehicle chase heading west bound on Hwy 281. The driver stopped the vehicle in the 1500 block of 100th St and attempted to flee inside their residence but was stopped before they could succeed. As a result, officers arrested Troy Christopher Miller, 37, of Oelwein. Miller was charged with Eluding - Serious Misdemeanor and Interference with Official Acts - Simple Misdemeanor. Oelwein Police were assisted by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.
On February 6, 2026, at 3:59pm, Oelwein officers investigated a 2-vehicle accident at 1st St and 1st Ave SW. A 2013 Ford Escape, operated by Jaleal Warfield of Stanley, IA, was backing up when it collided with a 2008 Chevy Impala operated by Taylor Nohrenberg of Oelwein. Warfield was assigned at fault for the accident. Warfield’s vehicle suffered no apparent damage while Nohrenberg’s vehicle received approximately $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported.
On February 4, 2026, at approximately 10:12pm, Oelwein Officers arrested Paul Michael Kinch, 20, of Oelwein. Kinch was arrested in the 400 block of 13th Ave NW on charges of Possession Controlled Substance – Marijuana 1st Offense – Serious Misdemeanor and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Simple Misdemeanor.
On February 03, 2026, at approximately 1:29am, Oelwein Officers arrested Christopher Lee Becker, 43, of Oelwein. Becker was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Simple Misdemeanor and Possession of Controlled Substance – 3rd or Subsequent Offense – Methamphetamine – Class D Felony. Becker was arrested in the 1300 block of Industrial Park Road.
At approximately 9:22am, Oelwein Officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident at 1st St SE and South Frederick. A 2005 Ford Explorer, driven by Shirley Davis, collided with a 2020 Ford Escape, driven by Kathleen Lenth. As a result of their investigation, officers cited Davis with Failure to Obey Stop Sign and Yield Right of Way. Davis’s vehicle suffered approximately $1,500 of damage and $5,500 of damage was done to Lenth’s vehicle.
At approximately 2:01pm Oelwein Officers responded to the Oelwein High School for a report of a student in possession of tobacco. Logan John Gonzales, 18, of Oelwein received a citation for Underage Tobacco Possession. Gonzales was cited and released.
At 5:02pm on January 30, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Rock Island Rd and 10th St SE. A silver 2012 Nissan Quest, driven by Zara Druecker of Oelwein, attempted to cross Rock Island Rd heading eastbound when they cut off and were struck by a black 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Krystal Thole of Strawberry Point, that was heading northbound on Rock Island Rd. Initial estimates of damages were $3,000 to the vehicle driven by Druecker and $3,000 to the vehicle driven by Thole. Druecker was assigned fault for the accident and was issued citations for Failure to Obey Stop Sign and Yield Right of Way, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability at Accident Scene, and No Valid Drivers' License.
At 10:21am on February 2, 2026, Oelwein Police cited a 10-year-old female juvenile with Minor Using Tobacco/Vape Product. The citation was issued following a report of a student with a vape device at Oelwein Middle School.
At 3:45pm on February 2, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of 1st Ave SE and 2nd St SE. A silver 2000 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Amy Rahe of Cedar Rapids, was driving southbound on 1st Ave SE and attempted to turn left heading eastbound on 2nd St SE, cutting across the path of and being struck by a black 2013 Ford Edge, driven by Hunter Wagner of Fayette. Initial estimates of damages were $5,000 to the vehicle driven by Rahe and $1,000 to the vehicle driven by Wagner. Rahe was assigned fault for the accident and was issued a citation for Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability at Accident Scene. Oelwein Police were assisted by Midwest Collision and Towing.
At 9:25pm on February 2, 2026, Oelwein police charged Matthew John Seastrand, 50, of Hazleton, with Driving While License Suspended. Seastrand was issued a citation and summons to court for the infraction following a traffic stop in the 200 block of 10th St SE. Seastrand was also issued a citation for Failure to Maintain Registration Plate
At 1:29am on February 3, 2026, Oelwein Police arrested Cristopher Lee Becker, 43, of Oelwein. Becker was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd or Subsequent Offense - Class D Felony and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor. This arrest was made after officers responded to a report of a male subject acting strangely in the 1300 block of Industrial Park Rd.
At 1:12pm on January 30, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to a report of a student at Oelwein High School possessing a vape device. As a result, a citation was issued to a 14-year-old female juvenile for Minor Using Tobacco/Vape Product 1st Offense.
