Decorah Police Department

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Decorah Police Department Law enforcement agency for the City of Decorah, Iowa.

10/20/2026

Today we remember and honor Trooper Ted Benda of the Iowa State Patrol. EOW: October 20th, 2021. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

ODMP Write Up:
Trooper Ted Benda succumbed to injuries sustained six days earlier when he was involved in a single-vehicle crash.

He was responding to assist deputies from the Clayton County Sheriff's Office with a wanted subject at about 11:30 pm when his patrol car left the roadway on Iowa Highway 51 six miles north of Postville. He was flown to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries.

Trooper Benda had served with the Iowa State Patrol for five years and had previously served with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for 11 years. He is survived by his wife, four children, parents, and siblings.

Subject in custody.
10/07/2026

Subject in custody.

UPDATED PRESS RELEASEOn October 6, 2026, officers with the Decorah Police Department were dispatched to the area of 701 ...
10/07/2026

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE
On October 6, 2026, officers with the Decorah Police Department were dispatched to the area of 701 Centrum Drive on the report of an assault. Contact was made with the victim of the assault, and the individual was removed from the scene for safety. Initial investigative efforts warranted an immediate welfare check on the male, identified as Chad Johnson, age 57 of Decorah, who was reportedly at the residence at 701 Centrum Drive. Surveillance footage showed Chad fleeing the residence, entering the wooded area around the house. Multiple emergency responders arrived in the area to aid on scene law enforcement. Despite those combined efforts, Chad Johnson has not been located.
We encourage residents to continue to be vigilant and keep doors locked, to homes, out buildings, and vehicles. Mr. Johnson is the suspect in the reported violent assault and is also wanted on additional unrelated charges. Mr. Johnson is aware of his charges and is aware police are looking for him.
Though there have been no direct threats made toward the public by Mr. Johbnson, police would consider him to be dangerous under these circumstances. If you see Chad Johnson, please do not make contact with him. Call 911 immediately to report his location to police.
This update is reiterated at 2250 hours-Mr. Chad Johnson is still at large.

10/06/2026

UPDATE: 10/6/2026 at 3:50 p.m. - Mr. Johnson has still not been located by law enforcement. He is wanted on several charges. Please call 911 immediately if you have information of his whereabouts.

**Note: We have since received information he no longer has a beard as shown in the past booking photo.

On October 6, 2026, the Winneshiek Communications Center received a 911 call to check the welfare of a woman who had been severely assaulted and ran from the residence to seek help. The suspect (Chad Johnson) fled from law enforcement on foot from the residence at 701 Centrum Drive in Decorah, Iowa. Law Enforcement is on scene and attempting to locate Chad Johnson. He was last seen wearing gray shirt & navy blue sweatpants. Do NOT make contact with him. We encourage the public to lock house doors and outbuilding doors. Call 911 immediately if he is seen.

We had a great time!
10/02/2026

We had a great time!

Get ready!!
09/30/2026

Get ready!!

Address

400 Claiborne Drive
Decorah, IA
52101

Telephone

+15633823667

Website

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