Oelwein Police releases information on two separate accidents

At 5:15pm on January 27, 2026, Oelwein Police responded to a motor vehicle collision in the Fareway parking lot following reports of a vehicle driving into three other vehicles.  A silver 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Myrna Price of Oelwein, collided with a green 2012 Chevrolet Equinox owned by Mindy Noe of Oelwein, a white 2017 Chevrolet Equinox owned by Mary Ridenour of Arlington, and a blue 2025 Nissan Sentra owned by Katherine Turner of Oelwein.

 Initial estimates of damages were $8,000 to the vehicle driven by Price, $1,000 to Noe's vehicle, $1,000 to Ridenour's vehicle, and $4,000 to Turner's vehicle.  Price was assigned fault for the accident after the investigation revealed that Price had mistaken the gas and brake pedals when pulling into a parking spot.  Oelwein Police were assisted by Midwest Collision and Towing.

At 7:59pm on January 28, 2026. Oelwein Police issued a citation and summons to court to Deana Marie Scapardine, 32, of Oelwein, with a charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Property Damage Only) - Simple Misdemeanor.  Scapardine was charged following an investigation into a hit and run accident at the intersection of 1st Ave and W Charles St that was reported on January 21, 2026.  The nature of the accident was a maroon 2018 Kia Forte, driven by Scapardine, lost traction on ice and rearended a gray 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Emma Kuhn of Oelwein.  Scapardine departed the scene prior to arrival of police and without exchanging information.

 Initial estimates of damages were $1,500 to the vehicle driven by Kuhn, and little to no damage on Scapardine's vehicle.  Scapardine was assigned fault for the accident, and in addition to the misdemeanor citation was also cited for Failure to Maintain Control.