Dubuque, IA – On August 15, 2025, at approximately 1:57 AM, Michael Dean Karwoski, a 34-year-old white male, was arrested on a bench warrant by Officer B.J. Eberly at 481 Locust St, Dubuque, Iowa. The arrest followed an incident involving multiple charges, including Discharging a Firearm/Fireworks (Misdemeanor), Public Intoxication (Misdemeanor), and Failure to Appear for a Non-Felony Offense (Serious Misdemeanor).

According to the Dubuque Police Department, officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the early morning hours at the specified location. Upon arrival, authorities identified Karwoski as the individual allegedly involved in discharging a firearm or fireworks, a violation of local ordinances. Additionally, Karwoski exhibited signs of intoxication, leading to the charge of Public Intoxication. A background check revealed an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear related to a prior non-felony offense, which further escalated the situation.

Karwoski was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dubuque County Jail, where he was booked on the aforementioned charges. The Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the booking, noting that Karwoski, a resident of Dubuque, has had prior encounters with law enforcement, including arrests in 2021 and 2024 for charges such as Failure to Appear and Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).

The charge of Discharging a Firearm/Fireworks stems from Iowa regulations prohibiting the use of such devices in certain public or residential areas without proper permits, aimed at ensuring public safety. Public Intoxication, as defined under Iowa law, involves appearing in a public place under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree that endangers oneself or others. The Failure to Appear charge relates to Karwoski’s alleged non-compliance with a prior court obligation, classified as a serious misdemeanor.

Authorities have not released additional details about the incident, including whether any injuries or property damage occurred as a result of the firearm or fireworks discharge. The investigation remains ongoing, and further information may be available through the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center’s online portal, where citizens can access public safety incident reports.

Karwoski is currently being held at the Dubuque County Jail, awaiting a court appearance to address the charges.

Information regarding the arrest is based on available public records and may be subject to change as the case progresses. The charges listed do not imply guilt, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.