On October 19, 2023, at approximately 9:29pm, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of W Avenue and 100th Street; approximately three miles west of Westgate. After further investigation, it was determined that John Russell Rundle Jr, age 64 of Sumner, was driving westbound in a Black 2007 Hyundai Santa FE when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of W Avenue and 100th Street. Rundle Jr ran the stop sign and “t-boned” a Beige 2001 Toyota Camry that was heading northbound on W Avenue. The Toyota was driven by Nathan Wayne Lee, age 34 of Ridgeway.
Rundle Jr was transported by ambulance to Sumner Hospital for minor injuries. The Hyundai is a total loss. Rundle Jr was also cited for Failure to Obey Stop Sign.
The Toyota was occupied by three people total. Lee and another passenger were transported to Sumner Hospital. The passenger was then transported by Ambulance to University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City for further treatment. Another passenger was air lifted by Gundersen Air to Gundersen Hospital in LaCrosse, WI. The Toyota is a total loss. A drug canine was deployed and an additional search warrant was applied for and executed.
It was later found that one of the driver’s, Nathan Lee, fled the hospital with multiple people after being transported to Sumner ER. An investigation was conducted, and 2 other individuals who were involved, Satasha Schuman, 32 of Waucoma and William Newton, 30 of Tripoli, were located in the 200 Block of Bolger Dr. Fayette IA. After another drug canine was deployed indicating illegal substances, Shuman and Newton were both arrested. Multiple grams of methamphetamine were seized. Schuman was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, a Class B Felony, Possession of methamphetamine 1st offense, a serious misdemeanor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Valid Driver’s License, simple misdemeanors. Newton was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, a Class B Felony, Possession of methamphetamine 3rd offense, Operating While Intoxicated 3rd Offense, both D Felonies, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Driving While License Suspended, simple misdemeanors.
An additional Search Warrant was executed related to the above incident: on October 20, 2023, at approximately 12:00PM, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol executed a search warrant at 24359 X Avenue in Waucoma, IA. During a search of the residence, multiple grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, long guns, a pistol, ammunition, syringes, pipes, and other paraphernalia were found and seized. Ransom Lee Priebe, 64 of Waucoma, was arrested and charged with Possession with intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, a class C Felony, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Class D Felony, 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Offense Marijuana and Methamphetamine both D Felonies, Child Endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia a simple misdemeanor. Ethan Ransom Priebe, 33 of Waucoma, was arrested and charged with Possession with intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, a class C Felony, Child Endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor, 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance Marijuana and Methamphetamine both serious misdemeanors and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia a simple misdemeanors.
All arrested were transported to the Fayette County Jail where they await an initial appearance from a Magistrate Judge.
Sheriff Marty Fisher states that the Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Sumner Ambulance, West Union Police Department + K-9 Unit, Iowa State Patrol, Fayette Police Department + K-9 Unit, Clayton County Sheriff’s Office + K-9 Unit, Westgate Ambulance, Gundersen Air, Westgate Fire Department, and Fairbank Police Department. Sheriff Marty Fisher states these cases remain under investigation and more charges are pending at this time.