Decorah Police arrested Chad Johnson on October 7 after a several-day search connected to an earlier alleged violent assault and multiple outstanding warrants, according to a media release from Chief Tricia Thein.
Officers located Johnson on Centrum Drive and took him into custody without further incident. Police had been searching for him since he fled from law enforcement earlier in October after allegedly perpetrating a violent assault.
Charges listed in the investigation
Johnson now faces several serious charges, including attempted murder, willful injury causing serious injury, two counts of possession of a controlled substance—third or subsequent offense—and first-degree harassment.
The charges relate to the investigation described in the police release. Johnson is accused of the conduct; the source does not report a conviction or final court outcome.
Jail custody and potential penalties
After the arrest, Johnson was transported to the Winneshiek County Jail. He is being held pending an initial appearance on the outstanding warrants, and additional charges are expected to be formally processed.
The release lists the potential penalties associated with the charges:
- Attempted murder, a Class B felony: up to 25 years in prison.
- Willful injury causing serious injury, a Class C felony: up to 10 years in prison plus a mandatory fine.
- Possession of a controlled substance—third or subsequent offense, a Class D felony: felony penalties.
- First-degree harassment, an aggravated misdemeanor: up to two years in prison and fines.
The arrest ended the immediate search for Johnson in Decorah, but the case remains pending. The source did not provide a date for his initial appearance or further details about the alleged assault.