Decorah Man Arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault, False Imprisonment

Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — On February 21, 2025, Decorah Police responded to a disturbance at 603 North Street in Decorah. Following an investigation, officers sought an arrest warrant for 45-year-old Matthew Downing of Decorah. On February 27, 2025, police arrested Downing at his residence. He was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail and charged with domestic abuse assault and false imprisonment. Details from the Criminal ComplaintAccording to the criminal complaint obtained by DecorahNews.com, at approximately 10:50 a.m. on February 21, 2025, a disturbance took place at the residence between Matthew Downing and a female party. At 11:12 a.m., Downing contacted police, stating that he had asked for one of the two keys to a shared vehicle before leaving for a trip out of state. Downing reported that he did not necessarily need the key, but wanted to have it for future use. He alleged that the other party "overreacted" to the request, and after realizing she would not give him the key, he blocked the door to prevent her from leaving the house. He also stated that he did not physically touch her but was "trying to get her not to go out the door." Downing further told officers that after she left the house and entered her car, he attempted to enter the vehicle from the passenger side. When that was unsuccessful, he moved behind the car, where he said she "backed into him slowly." He claimed to be uninjured. At 11:53 a.m., the victim provided a statement to police at the Decorah Police Department. She confirmed that Downing had asked for the car key but alleged that he physically blocked the door multiple times to prevent her from leaving. The victim said she was eventually able to get out of the residence through the back door and lock herself inside her vehicle. She stated that as she attempted to back out of the driveway, Downing positioned himself behind the car and climbed onto the trunk in an effort to stop her. When she resumed backing out slowly, he allegedly continued to grab onto and slap at the trunk of the vehicle before finally moving out of the way. Both Downing and the victim's statements were captured on officer-worn body cameras. Downing remains in custody at the Winneshiek County Jail. His case is pending further legal proceedings. Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.