DUBUQUE, Iowa — October 22, 2026

A routine traffic stop turned into a river rescue in Dubuque on the night of October 19, 2026, when a 48-year-old woman facing drug and probation -related charges tried to elude sheriff’s deputies by swimming away in the Mississippi River.

According to a Radio Dubuque report published October 22, Dubuque County sheriff’s deputies attempted to pull over a vehicle driven by Sara Krausman of Dubuque near Windsor Avenue and 22nd Street at about 10 p.m. Deputies were moving to arrest her on drug-related charges. Krausman did not stop. She instead drove to the Hawthorne Street Extension, parked her vehicle in front of a boat dock, stepped out, jumped into the river, and swam off.

Within minutes, personnel from the Dubuque Fire Department and the Dubuque Police Department pulled Krausman safely from the water, ending the brief escape attempt.

Investigators then searched her vehicle and found a quantity of pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, the report states.

The report did not specify what formal charges Krausman remains in jail on no bond.

All persons named are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

---