Winneshiek County authorities help with the investigation of a Waucoma incident

When Fayette County authorities received a report of an alleged  burglar in Waucoma, they turned to the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office and the Decorah Fire Department's drone for help.

Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher says his office received a call shortly before 4:00 a.m. Friday of a burglary in progress at a business in Waucoma. The caller stated he had allegedly been shot by an air gun and that the suspect was on foot. Once deputies arrived on scene, a search of the area was conducted using the Decorah Fire Department's night drone and an Iowa State Patrol airplane.

Upon completion of the investigation it was determined  no burglary had taken place and that the alleged victim had made false reports to law enforcement. Deputies arrested 32-year-old Patrick Schanbeck of Watkins for false reports to a 9-1-1 communications center, a serious misdemeanor. Schanbeck was transported to the Fayette County Jail, where he awaits his initial appearance in court.