Fayette County Crash; Domestic Assault; & Absence from Custody Warrant

On August 20, 2026, at approximately 9:29 AM, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office responded to a two vehicle accident in the 12,000 block of 210th street, approximately two miles southwest of West Union. After further investigation it was determined that Jose Alfredo Flores Lara, age 50 from Mexico, was operating a White 2017 Freightliner Cascadia 125 and hauling a load of pigs in a Silver 2019  M.H. Eby Trailer. The roadway surface conditions were dusty and caused low visibility. Flores Lara was attempting to make a left hand turn when he was rear-ended by a juvenile driving a Red 2014 Ford F150 truck. Flores Lara reported no injuries and the Trailer received approximately $10,000 in damages. No injuries were reported to the pigs. The minor driver received serious injuries and was transported to Gundersen Hospital in West Union by Gundersen Ambulance. There was also two additional minors in the Ford who received minor injuries and were transported to Gundersen Hospital in West Union by Fayette Ambulance. The Ford is a total loss. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the West Union Fire Department, Gundersen Ambulance, Fayette Ambulance, West Union Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, and the Department of Transportation. This accident remains under investigation. (photos)

On August 20^th, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a Domestic assault had occurred. Upon completion of an investigation, Jacob Kozak age 24 of Maynard, was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault and False Imprisonment. Kozak was transported to the Fayette County Jail where he was held on a $1000 bond.

On 8-21-26 at approximately 12:00 p.m. the Fayette County Sheriff's Office arrested Tristen M. Kuker, 29 of Fredericksburg on a Fayette County arrest warrant. The warrant was for Voluntary Absence from Custody and bond was set in the amount of $1500.00 cash only. Kuker was taken into custody at the Winneshiek County Jail and transported to the Fayette County jail where he is being held.