Fayette County Authorities release information on a number of arrest and accident reports

On July 4th, 2026, at approximately 4PM, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a reported Violation of No Contact/Protective Order near Hawkeye, IA. Upon Deputy arrival, it was discovered that Mark Shannon Opperman (age 51) of Hawkeye, violated his No Contact/Protective Order that was in place. Deputies located Mark and he was placed under arrest. Mark was charged with Violation of No Contact/Protective Order, Possession of Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine 1st Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mark was transported to the Fayette County Jail where he was held until court and released on a $1,000.00 cash or surety bond after court.   

On July 3rd, a Fayette County Deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident, with injuries, at the intersection of 220th St and P Avenue. After an investigation, it was learned that David Shatek was traveling eastbound on 220th St, and Rachelle Schmidt was traveling northbound on P ave. David Shatek was crossing the intersection and Rachelle collided with him.  Shatek’s 2001 Buick and Rachelle’s 2020 Dodge Journey were both considered a total loss. Rachelle and passenger were transported to be evaluated for injuries. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted be West Union Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Torkelson’s towing, Fayette Ambulance, Gundeson, and Hawkeye First responders.

On July 2, 2026, at approximately 9:20am, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office received a report of a vehicle vs deer accident on Highway 18 in the 15,000 block, approximately two miles west of West Union. After further investigation, it was determined that Erin Darnice Schmitt, age 37 of Fayette, was traveling west bound in a Black 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee when she struck a deer in the traveled portion of the roadway. The Jeep sustained approximately $1500 in damages. No injuries were reported.

On July 2nd, 2026, at approximately 2:51PM, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls regarding an assault that occurred in the city of Hawkeye, IA.  Upon investigation, it was determined that Carol Sue Harvey (age 68) of Hawkeye had assaulted a family member that resided in the home with her. Carol was placed under arrest for Domestic Abuse Assault 1st Offense and transported to the Fayette County Jail where she was held without bond for her initial appearance.   

On 7-1-26, at approximately 9:25PM, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office received a report of a car vs deer accident in 28,000 Block of Harding Rd. near Clermont.  It was found that Michelle Crandall, 48 of West Union, was traveling northeast on Harding Rd. in a 2011 Crysler Town and Country van, when a deer came into the roadway, striking the vehicle.  No injuries were reported, and the vehicle was considered a total loss.  

On July 1st, 2026, at approximately 20:09 hours, Stefan Miller (age 32) of Fayette was taken into custody due to an active arrest warrant for OWI 2nd Offense. Stefan was transported to the Fayette County Jail where he was held on a $2,500.00 cash or surety bond until court.