Clayton County Incidents

On September 29, 2023, at approximately 6:03 PM, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office received a traffic complaint regarding a vehicle traveling North on Highway 13 near Elkader. Deputies located the vehicle described and initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 13/52. Deputies made contact with the driver who was identified as Todd A. Knipfel (53) of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. Todd showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest for operating while intoxicated 1st offense and transported to the Clayton County Jail.

On October 12, 2023, at approximately 12:59 pm, a Clayton County Deputy came into contact with David Shannon (46) of rural Elgin while responding to a report of an illegal burning call. Shannon had an active arrest warrant out of Fayette County. While making the arrest the Deputy found Shannon to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. David Shannon was transported to the Clayton County Jail where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd offense (methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On October 13, 2023, at around 2:25 PM a Clayton County Deputy observed a suspicious vehicle near an abandoned property in rural Elkader IA. A subsequent stop was made on the vehicle for a speeding violation at the intersection of Hwy 52 and Regent Street in Guttenberg, IA. A probable cause search was conducted on the vehicle which led to the discovery of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, and personal belongings of another. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined Kenneth C. Cannon (64) of Dubuque, IA had illegally entered onto the property of another and stolen items. Cannon was arrested and charged with Theft 5th degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana) 1st Offense, and possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Guttenberg Police Department.

On October 14th, 2023, at 12:55 am, Clayton County Deputies were dispatched to 32505 Crystal Road rural Strawberry Point for a disturbance that had occurred. Deputies came into contact with Kyle Sear (29) of Strawberry Point. Upon further investigation, Sear was arrested and transported to the Clayton County Jail where he was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault causing Bodily Injury. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Elkader Police Department.

On October 15th, 2023, at approximately 12:10 a.m., the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office took a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver. A motorist following a pickup truck called to report that the truck was all over the road. A Clayton County deputy caught up to the vehicle and observed that the truck was not maintaining its lane and was traveling at 72 miles per hour in a 55 zone. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on Highway 52 near 215′ h Street, north of Garnavillo. The deputy immediately observed signs of alcohol impairment from the driver and began an OWI investigation. The investigation found that Joseph Finnegan (33) of Colesburg, IA was impaired and he was subsequently placed under arrest. Finnegan was transported to the Clayton County Jail where he was charged with OWI 1st Offense and speeding.