Oelwein Police release information on two accidents and two arrests

At 6:19pm on February 14, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to a two-vehicle accident in the 10 block of 1st St SE.  A red 2008 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Alissa Baker of Hazleton, was travelling northbound in an alley when they failed to yield to and were struck by a red 2009 Dodge Ram, driven by Amber Williams of Oelwein, who was traveling eastbound on 1st St SE.  Initial estimates of damages were $5,000 to the vehicle driven by Baker and $4,000 to the vehicle driven by Williams.  Baker was assigned fault for the accidents and was issued a citation for Failure to Yield Upon Entering Roadway.

On February 14, 2026, at approximately  Oelwein Officers charged Austin Sylvester Perry, 21, of Oelwein with Theft – 2nd Degree – Class D Felony. This charge comes as a result of an investigation into a reported trailer stolen from a property in Oelwein.

On February 12, 2026, Oelwein Police completed an initial investigation into a single vehicle accident that occurred on January 30,2026 at around 7:15am.  A red 2015 Ford F150, driven by Dennis Weaver of Oelwein, was heading eastbound on W Charles St before veering off the roadway and striking a tree in the 500 block, disabling the vehicle.  The investigation also revealed that prior to striking the tree, Weaver had previously left the roadway in the 1300 block of West Charles St, where he drove through Woodlawn Cemetery before getting back on the road.  Initial estimates of damages are $20,000 to the vehicle driven by Weaver.  Oelwein Police were assisted by the Oelwein Fire Department, Mercy Oelwein Ambulance, Fayette County Sheriff's Office, and Midwest Collision and Towing.  This accident remains under investigation, and charges in this case are pending.

At 12:09am on February 13, 2026, Oelwein Police arrested Austin Sylvester Perry, 21, of Fairbank, after responding to reports of a rapidly escalating domestic disturbance in the 200 block of 2nd Ave SE.  As a result, Perry was charged with 2nd Degree Burglary - Class C Felony, 2nd Degree Arson - Class C Felony, 1st Degree Harassment (Threats) - Aggravated Misdemeanor, Driving While Barred - Aggravated Misdemeanor, Possession of a Controlled Substance - Serious Misdemeanor, Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug - Serious Misdemeanor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Simple Misdemeanor.