Support your local businesses

The following arrests were reported by the Decorah Police Department on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023. Dec. 8, 2023 On 12/08/2023 at approximately 2159 hours (09:59pm), Winneshiek County Dispatch received a report of a driving complaint traveling on IA-9 (Highway 9) towards Decorah. The reporting party (RP) stated that a vehicle was driving erratically, varying speeds, and failing to maintain their lane. Decorah Police Officers located the described vehicle and observed poor driving conduct. During the traffic stop/investigation it was determined that the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Juan Lorenzo Mejia (age 27) of Cresco, was operating while under the influence. Subsequently, Mr. Mejia was placed under arrest and taken to the Winneshiek County Jail. Mr. Mejia was transferred into the Winneshiek County Jail staff's custody. Mr. Mejia was charged with a violation of Iowa Code Chapter 321J.2(2)(c) – Operating While under the Influence 3rd Offense, a D felony, and Iowa Code Chapter 321.174(1) – No Valid Drivers License. Decorah Police Department was assisted by Winneshiek County Dispatch and Winneshiek County Jail Staff. Dec. 9, 2023 On 12/09/2023 at approximately 2224 hours (10:24pm), Winneshiek County Dispatch received a driving complaint inside Decorah city limits. The Reporting Party (RP) stated that there was a vehicle traveling west on IA-9 E very erratically, swerving in all lanes, and varying speed. Decorah Police Officers responded to the area of IA-9 E and Montgomery Street where they observed the reported vehicle enter the eastbound lanes of travel while traveling westbound. Decorah Police Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle nearly struck multiple vehicles and was followed by Decorah Officers with emergency lights and audible sirens to stop the vehicle due to severe safety concerns. The vehicle came to a stop at the intersection of IA-9 and ShortStreet. Officers were able to place the vehicle into park, turn the vehicle off, and detain the driver. Subsequently, the driver, Norlan Evenor Alfaro-Centeno (age 29) of Lime Springs, was placed under arrest. Mr. Alfa-Centeno was charged with a violation of the Iowa Code Chapter 321J.2(2)(a) – Operating While under the Influence 1st Offense, a Serious Misdemeanor. Additional charges were filed for violations of Iowa Code Chapter 321.279(1)(a) – Eluding and 321.174(1) – No Valid Drivers License. Mr. Alfaro-Centeno was taken to Winneshiek County Jail where he was transferred into jail staff's custody. Decorah Police Department was assisted by Winneshiek County Dispatch, Winneshiek County Deputies, and Winneshiek County Jail staff. Dec. 10, 2023 On 12/10/2023 at approximately 0307 hours (03:07am), Decorah Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in on IA-9 east of Old Stage Rd. While conducting a thorough investigation, Officers were granted consent to search the vehicle. The occupants exited the vehicle and checked for weapons prior to waiting in the patrol vehicles. During the weapon search, the female occupant had concealed apparent drug paraphernalia that was discovered by an Officer and confirmed by the female occupant. Additionally, the female occupant consented to Officers searching a small bag that was in her possession. Located in that bag were additional items of drug paraphernalia and multiple controlled substance. The controlled substances located were methamphetamine (crystal/liquid), marijuana (raw plant), and marijuana (wax). Subsequently, Tracy Lynn Leuchtemaucher (age 32) of Cresco, was placed under arrest for a violation of the Iowa Code Chapter 124.414 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor. Additional charges were filed for violations of Iowa Code Chapter 124.401(1)(c)(9) – Controlled Substance Violation, a C felony, and 124.401(5) – Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana 1st Offense, a serious misdemeanor. Ms. Leuchtemaucher was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail where she was transferred into jail staff's custody. The driver was given a citation for driving under suspension. The two males were transported to the Law Enforcement Center to wait for a licensed driver to pick them up. Decorah Police Department was assisted by Winneshiek County Deputies, Winneshiek County Dispatch, and Winneshiek County Jail staff.

Support your local businesses

From the Decorah Police Department: arrests