Oelwein Police release information on injury accident and arrest

On June 1, 2026, at approximately 11:00am, Oelwein Officers responded and investigated a traffic accident at 14th St Se and Rock Island Road. As a result of their investigation, officers determined a 2017 GMC Canyon, operated by Jonathan Panning, 66, of Oelwein, was traveling northbound on Rock Island Rd when a 2026 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Koby Gao, 42, of Drammen, Norway, pulled out from a stop sign causing Panning to collide with Gao. Both drivers and a passenger in Panning’s vehicle all sustained injuries. Oelwein Police was assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department and MercyOne Oelwein Ambulance.

On June 1, 2026, at approximately 5:00pm, Oelwein Officers arrested Donald Lawrence Ohrt, 48, of Oelwein. Ohrt was arrested on an Olmsted County, Minnesota warrant – Original Charges of Domestic Assault – Felony and Disorderly Conduct. Ohrt was placed into custody in the 1300 block of 6th St Ne.

On May 31, 2026, at 5:40pm, Oelwein Officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Iowa State Highways 281 and 150. As a result of the traffic stop, Robert T.C. Gould, 46, of Oelwein, was issued a summons into court for Driving While License Suspended. Gould also was issued citations for Fraudulent Use of Registration and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.