At 1:34am on January 5, 2026, Oelwein Police conducted a traffic stop in the 10 block of 5th Ave NE on a white Dodge Challenger earlier observed travelling at a high rate of speed heading northbound on N Frederick Ave and attempting to avoid officers by leaving city limits. Officers stopped the vehicle when it returned within city limits and continued to attempt hiding from officers by taking residential streets. The driver, Austin James Hoover, 23, of Oelwein, was charged with Reckless Driving - Simple Misdemeanor, receiving a citation and a Summons to Appear for the offense. Hoover was also issued citations for Speeding in a 55mph or Under Zone (21mph or Greater over the Limit) and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.
On January 2, 2026, at approximately 8:06pm, Oelwein Officers arrested Matthew Sterling Morris, 44, of Oelwein on charges of Harassment – 2nd Degree – Serious Misdemeanor, Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness - Serious Misdemeanor, and Willful Injury - Causing Bodily Injury – Class D Felony. Additionally, Brody Michael Marcussen, 32, of Winthrop, was charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury or Mental Illness – Serious Misdemeanor and Assault while Displaying a Dangerous Weapon – Aggravated Misdemeanor. Dennis William Marcussen, 57, of Oelwein was also arrested on the charge of Disorderly Conduct – Fighting/Violent Behavior. This incident took place in the 700 block of 2nd Ave Se after a reported fight taking place. Oelwein Police were assisted by MercyOne Ambulance Service.
OELWEIN PUBLIC SAFETY CITY OF OELWEIN, IOWA Media Release DATE: December 31, 2025
Release: Recent Business and Vehicle Burglaries Leads to Search Warrant
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, the Oelwein Police Department executed a search warrant in the 300 Block of 7th Avenue SW in Oelwein. During the course of the search warrant, illegal controlled substances, and stolen property were located and seized. The following subjects have been arrested and charged:
1) Hayden Jacob Dean Harkrader, 20, of Oelwein Burglary 3rd Degree- Class D Felony Burglary 3rd Degree unoccupied vehicle- Aggravated Misdemeanor (5 Counts) Child Endangerment- Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Methamphetamine- Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Marijuana- Serious Misdemeanor Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug- Serious Misdemeanor Theft 4th Degree- Serious Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor- Simple Misdemeanor
The subject was taken into custody and transported to the Fayette County Jail pending an initial appearance. Additional charges are pending, and this case is still under investigation.
This investigation has also led to three juveniles being referred to juvenile court services for alleged delinquent acts.
Juveniles
1) Male, 17, of Oelwein Child Endangerment- Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Methamphetamine- Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Marijuana- Serious Misdemeanor Theft 4th Degree (Possession of stolen property)- Serious Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor
2) Female, 17, of Dubuque Child Endangerment- Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Methamphetamine- Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Marijuana- Serious Misdemeanor Theft 4th Degree (Possession of stolen property)- Serious Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor
3) Male, 14, of Oelwein Burglary 3rd Degree- Class D Felony Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Methamphetamine- Aggravated Misdemeanor Possession of a controlled substance, 1st- Marijuana- Serious Misdemeanor Theft 4th Degree- Serious Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor
Juvenile matters are handled separately under Iowa law, and all allegations remain pending. Offense descriptions for juveniles are provided for informational purposes and reflect equivalent offenses under Iowa law if committed by an adult.
On December 29. 2025, at approximately 7:50pm, Oelwein Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of West Charles St. As a result of the traffic stop, Dawn Elizabeth Peterson, 23, of Hazleton was arrested on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Simple Misdemeanor, Driving While Barred – Aggravated Misdemeanor, Driving While License Under Suspension – Non-Scheduled Infraction, and Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana 2nd Offense – Serious Misdemeanor.
On December 27th, 2025, at approximately 7:30pm, Oelwein Officers responded to a 2-vehicle accident at the intersection of Rock Island Road and 14th St SE. A black 2013 Ford F150, operated by Matthew Allen Platte of Rowley, collided with a blue 2014 Dodge Charger, operated by Gina Leigh Delgado of Oelwein. As a result of the investigation, Platte was issued a citation and placed at fault for the accident. Preliminary damage to Platte’s vehicle was estimated at $8,000 and Delgado’s vehicle was estimated at $6,000. The Oelwein Police Department was assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department, MercyOne Oelwein Ambulance Service, Iowa State Patrol and Midwest Collision Towing.
At 11:17am on December 24, 2025, Oelwein Police responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Hwy 150 and 14th St SE. A black 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, driven by Diana Calderon, was on 14th St SE heading westbound crossing Hwy 150 and failed to yield to a gray 2013 Dodge Avenger, driven by Tony Howard, who was traveling southbound on Hwy 150, leading to the Pacifica being struck in the passenger side by the Avenger. Initial estimates of damages were $6,000 to the vehicle driven by Calderon and $6,500 to the vehicle driven by Howard. Calderon was assigned fault for the accident and was issued citations for Failure to Yield Upon Entering Through Highway and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability. Oelwein Police were assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department and Mercy One Ambulance Oelwein, who transported one individual to Mercy One Hospital for precautionary checks.
At 12:02pm on December 22, 2025, Oelwein Police received a report of a vehicle that had just been stolen from the Subway parking lot. At 12:07pm officers located the vehicle east of Oelwein, still being driven by the suspect, driving through a field near the intersection of L Ave and Highway 3. The suspect then led officers on a brief vehicle pursuit heading westbound towards Oelwein, continuing to drive the stolen vehicle through fields before stopping at a tree line and property fence at 12:13pm.
At 12:14pm the suspect, Paul Benjamin Trey, 41, of McGregor, was arrested. McGregor was charged with 2nd Degree Theft - Class D Felony, 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief - Class D Felony, Eluding - Serious Misdemeanor, and Driving While License Suspended.
At 11:45am on December 18, 2025, Oelwein Police received a report of two Oelwein Middle School students possessing vape devices. Both students, a 14-year-old male juvenile and a 13-year-old male juvenile, were issued citations for Minor Using Tobacco/Vape Product 1st Offense. Both juveniles were released to guardians afterwards.
At 1:25am on December 17, 2025, Oelwein Police arrested Michael Shane Story Jr, 30, of Oelwein. Story was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault Causing Bodily Injury - Serious Misdemeanor. This arrest was made the 500 block of W Charles St after officers responded to a 911 call reporting an active domestic situation.
At around 2:17pm on December 17, 2025, Oelwein Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 300 block of 8th Ave SE. While backing out of a parking space, a black 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 14-year-old female juvenile struck a parked gray 2012 Toyota Highlander owned by Jerome Koob. Initial estimates of damages were $1,000 to the vehicle driven by the juvenile and $2,500 to the vehicle owned by Koob. The juvenile was assigned fault for the accident
At 10:21pm on December 17, 2025, Oelwein Police charged Dru Jo-El Bowser, 30, of Oelwein, with Driving While License Suspended. Bowser was issued a citation and a court summons for the infraction following a traffic stop in the 10 block of 7th St SW.
On December 15, 2025, at approximately 8:20pm, Oelwein officers arrested Troy Edward Richards, 63, of Oelwein on 2 Fayette County warrants. Additionally, Richards was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance – 3rd or subsequent offense(x 2) – Class D Felony and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Simple Misdemeanor. This arrest took place in the 10 block of 3rd Avenue Northeast.
