DECORAH — Northern Iowa police nabbed a wanted man October 7, 2026, ending a search that began after a reported violent assault and prompted warnings for Decorah residents to lock their homes, outbuildings and vehicles.
Chad Johnson, 57, of Decorah, was taken into custody around 12:35 p.m. at 701 Centrum Drive while officers were serving a search warrant. Police said he faces an attempted murder charge in connection with the previous day’s alleged assault.
Woman fled residence to seek help
The investigation began October 6 when the Winneshiek Communications Center received a 911 call concerning a woman who reportedly had been severely assaulted and had run from the residence to seek help.
Decorah officers contacted the victim and removed her from the scene for safety. Information gathered during the initial investigation prompted an immediate welfare check on Johnson, who was reportedly at the Centrum Drive residence.
Surveillance footage showed Johnson (pictured at top) fleeing the house and entering nearby woods, according to police. Multiple emergency responders joined the search, but officers were unable to locate him Tuesday.
Police warned residents to lock up
As the search continued, authorities urged residents to keep doors locked at homes, outbuildings and vehicles. They warned people not to approach Johnson and to call 911 if they spotted him.
Police said Johnson had made no direct threats toward the public but should be considered dangerous under the circumstances. Authorities also said he knew he was wanted and that officers were looking for him.
An afternoon update advised that Johnson no longer had the beard shown in an older booking photograph circulated during the search. At 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, police reiterated that he remained at large.
The search ended Wednesday afternoon when officers took him into custody at the same Centrum Drive address.
Attempted murder among announced charges
Police announced charges of attempted murder, willful injury causing serious injury, first-degree harassment and two counts of possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense.
Johnson also had outstanding warrants on unrelated charges. He was taken to the Winneshiek County Jail, where police said he was being held pending an initial appearance on those warrants while additional charges stemming from the October 6 investigation were being filed.
In separate area cases, NIT has reported on a Decorah meth dealer sentenced after a campus chase and a motorcycle pursuit through two Northern Iowa counties.
The charges are allegations. Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.