Fayette County Authorities Release Information on Two Arrest Incidents and a Two-Vehicle Accident With No Injuries

On September 11th, 2026  at approximately 8:00 pm, a Fayette County Deputy initiated a traffic stop on Clay St. in the City of Clermont. During the traffic stop it was learned that the driver Melisa Beth Hanline, 42 of Clermont was operating while intoxicated. Hanline was placed under arrest and transported to the Fayette County Jail. Hanline is being charged with Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. Hanline also received citations for Open Container, No Valid Drivers License, Improper Rear Lamps, Failure to Illuminate Rear Plate, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability. Hanline was held until her initial appearance and later released.

On September 9th, 2026  at approximately 5:00 pm, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle accident in the City of Wadena. Upon deputies arrival it was learned that Amy Sue Knipper, 42 of Wadena was traveling north driving her 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Iowa St. when she was T-boned by Lawrence Eldon Reiling, 70 of Wadena who was driving a 2003 Crown Victoria. No injuries were reported and both vehicles sustained serious damage. Reiling received a citation for Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability - Accident. This accident remains under investigation.

On 9-12-26, at approximately 9:20 PM, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office received a 911 hang up call near the intersection of 40th St. and X Avenue.  Fayette County Deputies responded to the area where they made contact with the caller and conducted an investigation.   Throughout the interview process, it was learned that a physical altercation took place.  After an investigation, Samuel James Nehl, 32 of Fairbank, was arrested for Domestic Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a serious misdemeanor.  Nehl was taken into custody and transported to Fayette County Jail, where he awaited initial appearance.