OTTUMWA – Authorities apprehended an Ottumwa man yesterday afternoon after gunfire broke out in the city.

The incident began at around 12:30pm in the 300 block of North Sheridan. Officers from the Ottumwa Police Department and the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office were already in the area when they heard the gunshots. Witnesses reported a vehicle fleeing the scene, and deputies were able to set up a traffic stop in the 100 block of North Moore, where they found the vehicle that was previously reported. Police say that they determined that two individuals exchanged gunfire in the incident, but nobody was injured as a result.

Authorities arrested 41-year-old Chad Levi Forrester of Ottumwa, and he now faces multiple felony charges, including Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Going Armed with Intent. He is also charged with Reckless Use of a Firearm, a simple misdemeanor.

Forrester is being held in the Wapello County Jail with no bond. The investigation into the incident is ongoing with the assistance of the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office, and additional charges are pending.

OSKALOOSA – The former Keokuk County Sheriff’s deputy who was on trial for 13 counts of child endangerment in the aftermath of a 2023 hayride accident has been found guilty on all charges.

The accident occurred in October 2023. Daniel Brubaker was driving the truck, which was pulling a gooseneck trailer with 29 kids in it, while Heady was a passenger. Brubaker allegedly lost control of the truck, sending it into a ditch and throwing all 29 children from the ride. The accident sent 3 of the children to the hospital. 

In court, Brubaker admitted to drinking several alcoholic beverages before driving, and court documents also show that Heady was highly intoxicated at the time. Brubaker pleaded guilty to all 13 charges in July.

Heady’s trial began in Mahaska County last week, and the guilty verdicts were delivered by the jury on Tuesday. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird called the situation “truly heartbreaking” and thanked the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations for their work in investigating the incident.

Heady’s sentencing is scheduled for October 17 at the Keokuk County Courthouse.

FAIRFIELD – Two Fairfield women were arrested and dozens of animals were rescued after a week-long investigation into animal neglect.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Fairfield Police Department received information regarding possible animal neglect occurring at a residence located in the 100 block of Cardinal Drive. The report indicated that a large number of animals were being kept in extremely poor and potentially dangerous living conditions.

Upon receiving this information, officers began an in-depth investigation, gathering statements, observations, and other evidence to determine the validity of the allegations. Based on the information collected, officers were able to establish probable cause and successfully apply for a search warrant for the property.

On September 2, 2025, the search warrant was executed by the Fairfield Police Department, with critical assistance from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and the Fairfield Veterinary Clinic. When officers and animal welfare professionals entered the home, they discovered conditions that were neglectful, unsanitary, and hazardous to both the animals and anyone residing in or visiting the home.

Many animals were confined in overcrowded kennels, with several sharing small enclosures. The animals were found to be covered in feces and living in unsanitary conditions without adequate food, water, or proper care.

In total, 38 dogs, 10 cats, and 13 various small animals were safely removed from the residence and placed into the care of animal welfare organizations for treatment and rehabilitation.

44-year-old Ellen Marie Telleen and 26-year-old Krysta Marie Telleen were both taken into custody and they were each charged with 48 counts of animal neglect. Each charge of animal neglect is a simple misdemeanor. They were transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility where they were booked and then released after posting bond.

The Fairfield Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, Fairfield Veterinary Clinic, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.