Fayette County Deputy injured when his vehicle strikes a cow while responding to emergency situation

On September 27, 2026, at 3:10AM, Fayette County Deputy, Sergeant Dan Hostetler was responding to an emergency situation near the  City of Oelwein.  Sgt. Hostetler was driving south on Neon Road, when a black angus beef cow ran onto the roadway in front of the squad car.  Sgt. Hostetler did not have time to avoid the cow and struck it with the front of his 2025 Ford Explorer, totaling the vehicle.  Sgt. Hostetler was taken to Palmer Hospital and treated for minor injuries.  The owner of the cow was identified and the cow was deceased at the scene.  The Iowa State Patrol assisted with the incident.