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3 from Adel arrested in Dallas County bridge arson

News

May 15th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Adel, Iowa) -Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Detectives report three 19-year old’s – all from Adel – have been arrested in connection with a fire that severely damaged a bridge on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, Monday, May 12, 2025.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined that the three individuals unlawfully entered an area beneath the bridge by bypassing a locked chain-link fence. Once under the structure, they started an uncontained fire and continued adding wood, causing the fire to grow significantly.
Embers from the fire eventually ignited the bridge above. Although there is evidence that the individuals attempted to extinguish the flames, their efforts were unsuccessful. At no point, did any of the three attempt to contact emergency services.

(Top photo – Sheeder); (bottom left – Pierce);
(Bottom right – Coulter) – Dallas CO S/O photos.

According to Dallas County Conservation, the estimated cost to replace the damaged bridge is approximately $896,000.
After consultation with the Dallas County Attorney’s Office, the following individuals from Adel were arrested and charged in connection with the incident:
  • 19-year-old Daniel Sheeder – Charged w/Arson – 2nd Degree; Criminal Mischief – 1st Degree; Trespassing Causing Damage Over $300.
  • 19-year-old Ezra Coulter and 19-year-old Leola Pierce, were each charged w/Criminal Mischief – 1st Degree; Trespassing Causing Damage Over $300; and Reckless Use of Fire.