On February 21, 2026, at 12:47am, Oelwein officers conducted a traffic stop in the 10 block of 1st St SE. As a result of the traffic stop, Emma Kuhn, 20, and Alaina Patrick, 20, both of Oelwein, were cited and released for Underage Possession of Tobacco as well as Underage Possession of Alcohol.
OELWEIN PUBLIC SAFETY
CITY OF OELWEIN, IOWA
Media Release DATE:
February 21, 2026
Release: Oelwein and Hazleton Fire Departments Contain Industrial Roof Fire Friday Evening
The Oelwein Fire Department was paged at approximately 5:41 p.m. on Friday evening, February 20, 2026, to a report of flames visible at an industrial building in the 900 block of 2nd Avenue SE. The Hazleton Fire Department was also requested for mutual aid assistance.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames and smoke coming from the roof of Ashley Industrial Molding, near the middle of the north section of the building. The department’s aerial platform was utilized extensively during the suppression effort to move personnel and equipment to the seat of the fire.
Fire suppression operations were complicated by the fire spreading within the layers of rubber roofing and insulation materials. In addition to the aerial operations, fire crews conducted an interior attack to slow the progression of the fire and prevent further extension within the structure. The Oelwein Public Safety drone was deployed to monitor thermal hotspots and enhance firefighter safety throughout the incident.
Crews encountered hazardous conditions both on the ground and on the roof due to extremely slippery surfaces. The Oelwein Street Department responded to the scene and provided sand to improve traction and assist with ground operations.
Firefighters from Oelwein and Hazleton remained on scene for approximately three hours. Damage was contained to the roof area of this portion of the large industrial complex.
“Our firefighters once again demonstrated tremendous professionalism and teamwork under challenging conditions,” said Oelwein Public Safety Chief Jeremy Logan. “This incident required coordination between multiple agencies, the effective use of specialized equipment, and a strong mutual aid partnership. We appreciate the support from Hazleton Fire and our local partners in helping bring this fire under control safely.”
The Oelwein Fire Department was assisted by the Hazleton Fire Department, Oelwein Police Department, Oelwein Street Department, and MercyOne Ambulance.
The cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical failure involving a rooftop HVAC unit
At 8:27pm on February 16, 2026, Oelwein Police charged Yerickson Paredes Diaz, 40, of Waterloo, with Driving While License Suspended. Diaz was issued a citation and summons to court for the charge following a traffic stop in the 10 block of Maplewood Dr. Diaz was also issued a citation for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device.
At 6:19pm on February 14, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to a two-vehicle accident in the 10 block of 1st St SE. A red 2008 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Alissa Baker of Hazleton, was travelling northbound in an alley when they failed to yield to and were struck by a red 2009 Dodge Ram, driven by Amber Williams of Oelwein, who was traveling eastbound on 1st St SE. Initial estimates of damages were $5,000 to the vehicle driven by Baker and $4,000 to the vehicle driven by Williams. Baker was assigned fault for the accidents and was issued a citation for Failure to Yield Upon Entering Roadway.
On February 14, 2026, at approximately Oelwein Officers charged Austin Sylvester Perry, 21, of Oelwein with Theft – 2nd Degree – Class D Felony. This charge comes as a result of an investigation into a reported trailer stolen from a property in Oelwein.
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.