A Waukon man was arrested Saturday night after an alleged assault involving two people at the Yung Gravy concert in Decorah, according to a Decorah Police Department media release.
Police said Luther Security contacted the department at approximately 8:49 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2026, to report the incident. Officers who responded learned that the suspect had allegedly assaulted two people before fleeing the scene on foot.
How police identified the suspect
Authorities identified the suspect as Christopher Alan Southerland, 26, of Waukon. Investigators said they connected him to the incident through a state-issued identification card left at the scene and witness statements from people who knew him.
The Decorah Police Department worked with the Waukon Police Department to locate Southerland. At approximately 10:20 p.m., Waukon officers found him at his residence. Decorah officers then took him into custody and transported him to the Winneshiek County Jail.
Charge and court status
Southerland was charged with assault causing bodily injury, classified as a serious misdemeanor under Iowa law. The release said he was being held pending his initial court appearance.
If convicted, a serious misdemeanor in Iowa can carry a fine ranging from $430 to $2,560 and up to one year in jail, according to the police release.
Authorities emphasized that criminal charges are accusations. Southerland is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
