Oelwein Police release information on an arrest and motorcycle accident

At 11:02pm on March 30, 2026, Oelwein Police conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of S Frederick Ave, leading to the arrest of Rodney Leonard Tafolla, 58, of Oelwein.  Tafolla was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd or Subsequent Offense - Class D Felony and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor.  Tafolla was also issued an Equipment Repair Order for a nonworking headlight.

At around 7:20pm on March 29, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to an accident involving two motorcycles.  According to the investigation both motorcycles, a silver 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster, ridden by Shawna Rinella of Oelwein, and a red 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, ridden by Austin Rinella of Oelwein, were travelling northbound on S Frederick Ave when a vehicle pulled out in front of them in the 600 block.  Both motorcycles swerved to avoid a collision with the car, leading to one motorcycle clipping the rear tire of the other motorcycle with its front tire and going down.  Initial estimates of damages are $1,000 to the motorcycle ridden by Mrs. Rinella and $500 to the motorcycle ridden by Mr. Rinella.  Oelwein Police were assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department and Mercy One Ambulance Oelwein.