Clayton County Releases

On 02/02/2025 at approximately 12:45 am Clayton County Deputies were on routine patrol near the area of Evergreen Rd and 295th St. While patrolling, deputies witnessed an ATV driving in and out of roadside ditches then would accelerate up to 65 MPH. While following the ATV deputies also witnessed the ATV fail to yield at a stop sign and continued the erratic driving. At this point, Deputies activated their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. The ATV then accelerated onto Hazel Rd taking Deputies on a pursuit. Deputies pursued the ATV for approximately a mile and a half before the vehicle proceeded to drive off-road into a field. Deputies followed at a safe distance while in the field before looping back onto Hazel Rd. Once on Hazel the vehicle lost control and drove itself into a roadside ditch. The driver became uncompliant with Deputies commands. The driver identified as Jacob Steger (46) was placed into custody and showed numerous signs of impairment. Steger was arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated 2nd offense, Felony Eluding, Reckless Driving, Interference With Official Acts, as well as a plethora of traffic violations. No one involved in the incident suffered any injuries.

On March 19, 2025 a Clayton County Recycling Truck was traveling south on Hwy 13 near 270th Street Elkader when the driver Chris Bruce of Waukon lost control due to the weather conditions. The Semi entered the west ditch, going through a fence and coming to rest in a pasture. No one was injured in result of the accident. The Clayton County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Elkader Fire Department, Three Rivers FS, Mar-Mac Police Department, Clayton County Emergency Management.

On March 23rd, 2025, at approximately 12:42 a.m., a Clayton County deputy conducting stationary patrol on Great River Road near Ridge Avenue (rural North Buena Vista) observed a vehicle committing several traffic violations. A traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle on Waupeton Road on the Dubuque County line. Upon making contact with the operator, the deputy observed several signs of impairment. An investigation was conducted, and it was found that the operator was impaired. Steven Denlinger (59) of Sherrill, Iowa, was taken into custody and transported to the Clayton County Jail where he was charged with O.W.I. 1st Offense. Denlinger was additionally cited for speed (66 in a 55 zone) and driving on the wrong side of a two-lane highway. The Clayton County deputy was assisted at the traffic stop by a deputy with the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.

On March 28, 2025, at approximately 4:18 PM the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of Highway 18 & Golden Avenue. Deputies responded and found Darrin T. Palmer (57, Mc Gregor) was traveling East on Highway 18 in his 2006 Chevy Silverado with his pickup camper. There were severe winds at this time. The severe windows displaced the pickup camper from Darrin’s truck causing it to land in the West bound lane of Highway 18. Abraham A. Cordero (44, Postville) was traveling West on Highway 18 in his 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. Abraham struck the pickup camper causing disabling damage to his vehicle. Both the GMC Sierra 1500 and pickup camper were a total loss. The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Monona Fire Department, Monona Ambulance, Monona Police, and Reggie’s Towing.

On March 29, 2025, at approximately 3:56 AM, Clayton County Deputies responded to 33587 Highway 13 for a vehicle in the ditch. The reporting party advised a male had knocked on their windows and doors asking for help to get his vehicle out of the ditch. The subject left prior to Deputies arrival and were unable to locate the male after a search of the area. At approximately 6:30 AM, a citizen reported a male was walking South on Highway 13 near the area of the original call. Deputies made contact with the subject at approximately 6:51 AM. The male subject was identified as Braxton L. Schlueter (24, Greeley). Deputies administered the standardized field sobriety testing on Braxton and he showed signs of impairment. Braxton was arrested for Operating while intoxicated 1st offense. Braxton was also cited for failure to maintain control & open container (driver).

On March 30th, 2025, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a Clayton County deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 52 near Jolly Ridge Road (Guttenberg) for a speed violation. The operator of the vehicle was found to have a suspended driving status with multiple withdrawals in effect. Travon Hayes (20) of Dubuque was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended. Hayes was additionally cited for speed (72 miles per hour in a posted 55 zone).

On March 31st, 2025, the Clayton County Sheriff's Office took Allen Dlouhy (74) and Jennifer Gamerdinger (46), both of rural Edgewood, into custody on active arrest warrants stemming from charges filed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. Both were charged by the state with Fraudulent Practice in the 3rd Degree for allegedly operating a meat or poultry establishment without first obtaining a license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Both individuals posted bond and were released.