Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
210 Fifth Avenue NE
Independence, IA 50644
Ph. (319) 334-2568
Fax (319) 334-6542
Press Releases
DECEMBER 2014
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 01, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jason Eugene Short,
36, of Hazleton. Short was arrested and charged with Driving While License Revoked (serious
misdemeanor) and Speed Violation. This arrest was made following a traffic stop near Jamestown
Avenue (Hwy 150) and Otterville Blvd north of Independence.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 01, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Tyler Mitchell
Robinson, 20, of Lamont. Robinson was arrested and charged with fifth degree Criminal Mischief
(simple misdemeanor) and third degree Theft (aggravated misdemeanor). This arrest was made
following the conclusion of an investigation into an incident that occurred in the 900 blk Washington
Street in Lamont on 09/27/2014.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 01, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Raquel Virginia
Neeley, 25, of Oelwein. Neeley was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended
(simple misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a traffic stop near Main Street and Benton
Street in Hazleton.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 01, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Daryl Lee Cole, 40, of
Quasqueton. Cole was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for Violation of
Pre-Trial Release. Cole was arrested in Delaware County. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
assisted in this arrest.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 02, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Adam Joseph
Hettinger, 21, of Manchester. Hettinger was arrested and charged with Driving While License
Suspended (simple misdemeanor). This charge originated from the Independence Police Department.
Hettinger was arrested in Delaware County and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this
arrest.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, December 03, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ashley Nicole
Watts, 21, of Independence. Watts was arrested and charged with Assault (aggravated misdemeanor).
This arrest was made following an incident in the 2200 blk Iowa Avenue west of Independence.
PRESS RELEASE
On Friday, December 05, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Brett Michael Armstead,
25, of Miami, FL. Armstead was arrested on two active arrest warrants out of Delaware County, IA and
Black Hawk County, IA. This arrest was made in the 500 blk Ninth Avenue SW in Independence.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
January 3, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 06, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Sean Christian
Christensen, 43, of Waterloo. Christensen was arrested and charged with Possession of Controlled
Substance – Marijuana (class D felony), Unlawful Possession of Prescription Pills, (serious
misdemeanor) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor). This arrest was made
near Main Street in East Hayes Street in Hazleton.
PRESS RELEASE
On Sunday, December 07, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Austin Lee Fortner, 22,
of Rowley. Fortner was arrested and charged with second degree Criminal Mischief (class D felony).
This arrest was made in the 100 blk South Street in Rowley.
PRESS RELEASE
On Sunday, December 07, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kayla Linn Shaw, 22,
of Independence. Shaw was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault (serious
misdemeanor). This arrest was made following an incident in the 300 blk W Hayes Street in Hazleton.
PRESS RELEASE
On Sunday, December 07, 2014 at approximately 3:50 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies
responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries in the 1300 blk Slater Avenue south of
Aurora. According to the investigation, a 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo operated by Dillon Barr of Cresco
was traveling south on Slater Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle entered the west
ditch, rolling and coming to rest on its top. Dillon and a passenger, Kyle Egen of Cedar Rapids, were
injured in the accident and were both transported to Buchanan County Health Center in Independence
by Strawberry Point Ambulance Service. This accident remains under investigation and charges are
pending. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Aurora Fire
Department, Lamont Fire Department and Strawberry Point Ambulance.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 09, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Cody Alan Rawson,
27, of Walker. Rawson was arrested and charged with Driving While License Barred (aggravated
misdemeanor) and Driving While License Suspended (simple misdemeanor). Rawson was also issued
citations for Operation without Registration and a Speed Violation. This arrest was made following a
traffic stop in the 2900 blk 325th Street north of Troy Mills.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 09, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jeremy Daniel
Conerd, 32, of Oelwein. Conerd was arrested on active arrest warrants out of Buchanan County for
Possession of Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine (serious misdemeanor) and Criminal
Trespass (simple misdemeanor).
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 09, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kayla Lynn Shaw, 22,
of Independence. Shaw was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for Violation
of Parole. Shaw was held at the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 09, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Michael Lee Brunson,
57, of Oelwein and Michel Kay Christopherson, 56, of Oelwein. Brunson was arrested and charged
with Driving While License Barred (aggravated misdemeanor), Driving While License Revoked (serious
misdemeanor) and Failure to File SR22 Insurance (simple misdemeanor). Brunson was also issued
citations for No Proof of Insurance, Fraudulent Use of Registration, Operation without Registration,
Failure to Carry Registration, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle and Driving on Wrong Side of
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January 3, 2015
Highway. Christopherson was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple
misdemeanor). Christopherson was also issued a citation for Putting Litter on Roadway/Roadside after
she attempted to hide items of drug paraphernalia by throwing them from the vehicle. These arrests
were made following a traffic stop in the 2600 blk Racine Avenue north of Quasqueton.
PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, December 11, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Alexander Michael
Joseph Carlson, 19, of Independence. Carlson was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of
Buchanan County for Probation Violation. Carlson was held at the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, December 11, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Michael Wesley
Toms, 24, of Rowley. Toms was arrested and charged with second offense Sexual Abuse in the Third
Degree (class C felony) and Failure to Comply with Iowa Sex Offender Registry (class C felony). This
arrest was the result of an investigation that began in October 2014 in which Toms was alleged to have
committed a sex act with a person that was fourteen years of age. Toms also was alleged to have
withheld information when updating his Sex Offender Registry information with the Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Office. This arrest was made in the 800 blk Third Street NW in Independence.
PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, December 11, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Nicholas James
Thomas, 26, of Independence. Thomas was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan
County for Probation Violation. Thomas was also arrested and charged with Interference with Official
Acts stemming from an incident that occurred in Independence on 11/05/2014. This arrest was made in
the 100 blk Fourth Avenue NW in Independence.
PRESS RELEASE
On Sunday, December 14, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Samantha Almeda
Stacey, 39, of Independence. Stacey was arrested and charged with first offense Operating While
Intoxicated (serious misdemeanor). This arrest was made following an investigation into a motor
vehicle accident with injuries that occurred in the 400 blk South Street West in Jesup on 10/26/2014.
Stacey was also arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for Failure to Appear.
This arrest was made in the 1300 blk Sixth Street in Jesup.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 16, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Chad Michael Knight,
48, of Hazleton. Knight was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault (simple
misdemeanor). This arrest was made after an individual came to the Sheriff’s Office to report an
assault on 12/15/2014. This arrest was made in the 200 blk W Benton Street in Hazleton.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 16, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Cal William Stanford,
18, Cody Slate Southworth, 19, Isaiah Michael Zirkelbach, 20, all of Walker. All three were arrested
and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor) and Possession of Alcohol
Under Legal Age (simple misdemeanor). These arrests were made in the 3200 blk Quasqueton
Avenue after a deputies’ observation of illegal activity taking place in the residence.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at approximately 11:15 pm, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
received a report of a semi that had tipped on its side into the ditch in the 1300 blk Indiana Avenue
southwest of Hazleton. According to the investigation, a 2005 Volvo semi operated by Bruce
Danckwart of Kellagg, MN was traveling southbound on Indiana Avenue when he lost control of his
vehicle and entered the ditch, rolling onto its side. No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated
at a total of $13,370. Danckwart was issued a citation for Failure to Maintain Control.
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January 3, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, December 17, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Lisa Ann Burgos,
50, of Randalia. Burgos was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for
Probation Violation. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this arrest.
PRESS RELEASE
On Friday, December 19, 2014 at approximately 9:20 am, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
received a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 1500 blk of Otterville Blvd near the Otterville River
Access. According to the investigation, a 2014 Chevrolet Impala operated by Mitch Thompson of
Independence was traveling east on Otterville Blvd when he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle ran
down a river embankment and into the Wapsipinicon River. Thompson was uninjured but was unable
to get out of his vehicle. The Jesup Fire Department was dispatched and was able to assist Thompson
out of the vehicle. Due to the river being frozen, the vehicle was not submerged in the water and was
later removed from the river. Thompson was issued a citation for Failure to Maintain Control. The
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Jesup Fire Department and Jesup
Ambulance Service.
PRESS RELEASE
On Friday, December 19, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Alexander Leonard, 13,
and Anthony Harting, 13, both of Lamont. Leonard and Harting were arrested and charged with
second degree Criminal Mischief (class D felony). These arrests were made following the conclusion
of an investigation into a concession stand being broken into near the Lamont baseball diamond. This
incident was originally reported on 10/23/2014. Both juveniles have been referred to Juvenile Court
Services and released to their parents.
PRESS RELEASES
On Friday, December 19, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jimmy Lee Penney, 46,
of Manchester. Penney was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended (simple
misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a traffic stop in the 1200 blk Washburn Avenue (Hwy
187) north of Lamont.
PRESS RELEASE
On Friday, December 19, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Douglas Robert Arthaud,
53, of Hazleton. Arthaud was arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated (serious
misdemeanor). Arthaud was also issued a citation for a stop sign violation. This arrest was made
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following a traffic stop in the 1800 blk 118 Street west of Hazleton.
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 20, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joshua Michael
Smith, 27, of West Allis, WI. Smith was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County
for Failure to Appear. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office assisted in this arrest.
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 20, 2014 at approximately 5:30 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies were
dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 2300 blk Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd near Hwy
20. According to the investigation, a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer operated by Donald Scheetz of
Independence was traveling southbound on Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd when he lost control of his
vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled down an embankment, coming to rest on its side. A
passenger, Tonya Makepeace of Independence had to be removed from the vehicle with assistance
from the Independence Fire Department. Both Scheetz and Makepeace were transported to the
Buchanan County Health Center with injuries that were not life threatening. This accident remains
under investigation and charges are pending. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at
the scene by the Independence Fire Department and Area Ambulance Service.
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January 3, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 20, 2014 at approximately 6:00 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies were
dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident on Hwy 20 at the 257 mile marker. According to the
investigation, a 2003 Ford Windstar operated by Joseph Jergens of West Bend, IA, was traveling west
on Hwy 20 when he collided with the rear of a 2009 Ford Escape operated by Sandra Heins of Lamont.
Heins was transported to Buchanan County Health Center in Independence by Area Ambulance for
non-life threatening injuries. Jergens was uninjured in the accident and was cited for Following Too
Closely. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Quasqueton Fire
Department and Area Ambulance Service.
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 20, 2014 at approximately 6:00 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies were
dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident on the Hwy 187 overpass over Hwy 20. According to
the investigation, a 2007 Chevrolet Colorado operated by Anna Schroeder of Monona was traveling
southbound on Hwy 187 when she lost control of her vehicle on ice that had formed on the overpass.
The vehicle slid and struck the overpass guard railing before coming to a stop. No injuries were
reported and the damage was estimated at $5,000 to the Schroeder vehicle.
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 20, 2014 at approximately 6:35 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies were
dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident on the Racine Avenue overpass over Hwy 20.
According to the investigation, a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis operated by Amanda Smith of Waterloo
was traveling north on Racine Avenue when she lost control of her vehicle on ice that had formed on
the overpass. The vehicle spun and struck the bridge wall before coming to a stop. Smith was
transported to Buchanan County Health Center for minor injuries. Damage was estimated at $4,000 to
the Smith vehicle. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Winthrop Fire
Department and Area Ambulance Service.
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 20, 2014 at approximately 9:50 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies were
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dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 1200 blk 120 Street south of Fairbank.
According to the investigation, a 2006 Lincoln MKT operated by Ashley Clemens of Independence was
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traveling east on 120 Street when she lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle entered the south ditch,
rolling and coming to rest on its wheels. Clemens and a passenger, Scott Clemens of Independence,
were transported to Allen Hospital in Waterloo with non-life threatening injuries. The Buchanan County
Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Fairbank Fire Department, Fairbank Ambulance and
Jesup Ambulance Service.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 22, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Brian Matthew
Mountain, 38, of Winthrop. Mountain was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County
for Failure to Appear. This arrest was made in the 900 blk 12th Street NE in Independence.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 22, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Donald Curtis Scheetz,
49, of Independence. Scheetz was arrested and charged with first offense Operating While Intoxicated
(serious misdemeanor). This arrest was made following the investigation of a motor vehicle accident
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 23, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Michael Wesley
Toms, 24, of Rowley. Toms was arrested and charged with two counts of second offense Sexual
Abuse in the Third Degree (class C felony) and three counts of Failure to Comply with Iowa Sex
Offender Registry (class C felony). These charges were an addition to the original charges that were
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January 3, 2015
filed on 12/11/2014 and were the result of an investigation that began in October 2014 in which Toms
was alleged to have committed a sex act with a person that was fourteen years of age. Toms also was
alleged to have withheld information when updating his Sex Offender Registry information with the
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. This arrest was made in the 100 blk Rowley Street in Rowley.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 23, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Christian Chaske
Kapler, 35, of Oelwein. Kapler was arrested and charged with Domestic Abuse assault (simple
misdemeanor), Child Endangerment (aggravated misdemeanor) and Trespass (simple misdemeanor).
This arrest was made following an incident in the 300 blk W Hayes Street in Hazleton.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, December 24, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Troy Randall
Kennon, 38, of VanHorne. Kennon was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County
for Probation Violation. Kennon was held at the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, December 24, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Zachary John
Norton, 26, of Monticello. Norton was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for
original charges of second degree Arson (class C felony) and Fraudulent Insurance Claim Submissions
(class D felony). This arrest was made in Monticello.
PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, December 25, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Dale Anthony Watts,
50, of Evansdale. Watts was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Buchanan County for original
charges of Driving While License Suspended (simple misdemeanor) and Failure to have SR22
Insurance (simple misdemeanor). The Evansdale Police Department and the Black Hawk County
Sheriff’s Office assisted in this arrest.
PRESS RELEASE
On Friday, December 26, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Darren James
Ackerman, 32, of LaPorte City. Ackerman was arrested and charged with first degree Theft (class C
felony). This arrest stems from an incident in which the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office received a
report from the Speede Shop convenience store in Winthrop of a male acting suspiciously at the store.
While on the phone, store personnel were able to give the license plate number to the dispatcher. After
a check of the number, it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Black Hawk
County. When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the store, the male had left. The male was later seen
driving the vehicle in Winthrop by law enforcement. When the male saw law enforcement, he
attempted to evade capture by driving the vehicle into the Wieland Lumber lot and heading south
across an empty corn field in an effort to get to Hwy 20. The vehicle became stuck and disabled after
entering the ditch before Hwy 20. Law enforcement searched the area, but was unable to locate the
male. The male was later located in Independence and identified as Ackerman. He was arrested and
transported to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office and held pending appearance before a Magistrate.
The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office was assisted in this incident by the Iowa State Patrol, Black
Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department and Manchester Police Department K9 Unit. This incident remains under investigation by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and further
charges are pending.
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, December 27, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ryan Christopher
Franck, 32, of Oelwein. Franck was arrested and charged with second offense Operating While
Intoxicated (aggravated misdemeanor). Franck was also cited for Open Container. This arrest was
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made following a traffic stop in the 1700 blk 120 Street west of Hazleton.
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January 3, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
On Sunday, December 28, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Shaun Patrick
Rodgers, 37, of Winthrop. Rodgers was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended
(simple misdemeanor). This arrest was made following a traffic stop on Hwy 20 near the 250 mile
marker.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 29, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Seth Lee Rohrick, 18,
of Oelwein. Rohrick was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended (simple
misdemeanor) and Failure to File SR22 Insurance (simple misdemeanor). Rohrick was also cited for
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Unlawful Use of Driver’s License. This arrest was made in the 100 blk 6 Street NW in Oelwein.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 29, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joseph Robert
Bendixen, 18, of Esterville. Bendixen was arrested and charged with fifth degree Theft (simple
misdemeanor) and Trespass (simple misdemeanor). These charges were filed after the report of a
vehicle that had drove away without paying for gas at the Speede Shop in Winthrop. A traffic stop was
initiated on the vehicle on Hwy 20 near the 252 mile marker. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office
was assisted by the Independence Police Department.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Felicia Mae Wilson,
27, of Oelwein. Wilson was arrested and charged with False Reports to Law Enforcement (serious
misdemeanor) and Malicious Prosecution (serious misdemeanor). These charges were filed after
Wilson originally reported an assault that occurred in Hazleton and later admitted that no actual assault
had taken place.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Heather Rose
Bigelow, 33, of Hazleton. Bigelow was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended
(simple misdemeanor). Bigelow was held at the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Christopher Lee
Cummings, 34, of Independence. Cummings was arrested on an active arrest warrant out of Black
Hawk County for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registry. This arrest was made in the 600 blk
Second Avenue NE in Independence after Cummings moved to an address in Independence and
failed to notify the Buchanan and Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Offices.
PRESS RELEASE
On Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at approximately 9:05 pm, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies
responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 2400 blk Jamestown Avenue (Hwy 150) south
of Independence. According to the investigation, a 2009 Pontiac G5 operated by David Howard Lynch,
52, of Independence, was traveling north on Jamestown Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle entered the east ditch and rolled. A passenger, Rachelle Pepper of Independence,
received minor injuries but refused transport to a hospital. Both were wearing seatbelts. Lynch was
arrested and charged with first offense Operating While Intoxicated (serious misdemeanor). Lynch was
also charged with Failure to Maintain Control. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by
the Independence Fire Department and Area Ambulance Service.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, December 31, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Dwayne Joseph
Davis, 42, of Waterloo. Davis was arrested and charged with third degree Sexual Abuse (class D
felony). This arrest was made following an investigation that began in August 2014 into allegations that
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January 3, 2015
Davis had sexual contact with a 14 year old in July 2014 in Buchanan County. Davis was held at the
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office pending appearance before a Magistrate.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at approximately 9:20 pm, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
received a call from the Canadian National Railroad of a subject that had been struck by a train. This
was reported to have happened along railroad tracks between Lucas Avenue and Nathan Bethel
Avenue east of Independence. According to the investigation, an eastbound Canadian National train
had struck a male that was walking east along the tracks. The male, identified as Chad Leonard King,
32, of Independence, was found with only minor injuries and speaking to train crew members when
emergency personnel arrived. King told Sheriff’s Deputies that he had been walking on the outer edge
of the railroad ties to Winthrop from Independence and had heard the train coming, but thought he was
far enough off to the side of the tracks that the train could pass by. King was struck in the left leg by the
lead edge of the train and thrown clear of the tracks. He was transported to the Buchanan County
Health Center in Independence for treatment. The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office was assisted by
the Winthrop Fire Department and Area Ambulance Service.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, December 31, 2014, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joshua Keith
Woodward, 23, of Hazleton. Woodward was arrested and charged with first offense Operating While
Intoxicated (serious misdemeanor). Woodward was also cited for Failure to Use Headlamps when
Required. This arrest was made following a traffic stop in the 2000 blk Jamestown Avenue (Hwy 150)
north of Independence.
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