HAWKEYE, IOWA – This Waterloo man led police on a dangerous pursuit, and after numerous charges, is guilty of a felony.
On April 24, 2025, at approximately 4:41 PM, a Fayette County Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on silver Nissan Sentra in the city of Hawkeye. The driver of the Nissan was identified as 21-year-old Ashton Charles Swanson of Waterloo. Swanson fled from the deputy leading to a short pursuit, multiple attempts were made by the deputy to safely disable the vehicle and end the pursuit. Swanson continued to flee until he eventually crashed the motor vehicle.
Swanson (pictured at top) was taken into custody and transported to the Fayette County Jail. Swanson is being charged with:
- Operating a vehicle without owner’s consent (aggravated misdemeanor)
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Eluding – 25 over the posted limit (felony)
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Driving While License Suspended
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Reckless Driving
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Failure to wear a seatbelt
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Failure to maintain control
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Multiple stop sign and speeding infractions
The incident remained under investigation. Swanson sustained minor injuries during the accident. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Gundersen Ambulance service.
On September 15, a plea dea to guilty of felony eluding and aggravated misdemeanor operating a vehcile without owner’s consent led to a sentence of suspended prison, 5-years of probation, and a bill owed to Iowa courts of $860.00.