PHOTO VIA THE MESKWAKI POLICE DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK PAGE — Meskwaki Nation Police Department K-9 Unit Officer Logan Ludovissy and his partner Aseni are pictured.

The Meskwaki Nation Police Department (MNPD) had a busy stretch of activity as several serious incidents unfolded in recent days. What stood out most was the work of the department’s brand-new K-9 Unit Officer Logan Ludovissy and his partner Aseni, who, fresh from the academy, has already proven to be an invaluable partner in the fight against illegal drugs in our community.

On Oct. 29, 2025, at about 6:17 p.m., MNPD officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 30 near F Avenue. As officers approached the vehicle, they immediately detected the odor of a controlled substance. K-9 Aseni was deployed to conduct a sniff around the vehicle and quickly alerted to the presence of narcotics other than marijuana. Based on that alert, officers performed a probable-cause search and recovered 7.3 grams of methamphetamine. Two individuals, Connie Sedlacek and Michael Recker, were taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). This stop marked one of Aseni’s very first field deployments since completing his training, and his performance was textbook.

During the same weekend, officers once again found themselves calling on Aseni’s skills, this time during a much more dangerous situation. In the early morning hours of November 1, 2025, at approximately 1:21 a.m., MNPD officers conducted another traffic stop on Highway 30 near F Avenue for a vehicle that was driving without license plates. K-9 Aseni was deployed and alerted to the presence of a controlled substance other than marijuana. When officers asked the driver to exit the vehicle to complete a probable-cause search, the driver refused and instead fled eastbound on Highway 30, reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. The pursuit continued toward Tama-Toledo, where the suspect, later identified as Jose Castro of Windsor Heights, Iowa, lost control of his vehicle near the Highway 30, 202 off-ramp to Highway 63. The car rolled several times before coming to rest. Mr. Castro was transported to an area hospital and later transferred to Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, where he remains in intensive care. He faces multiple charges, including felony eluding, failure to have registration, and possession of a controlled substance.

Once the scene was secured, K-9 Aseni was again deployed, this time to search the roadside and surrounding ditch area near the crash site. Despite the chaos of the wreckage and darkness, Aseni located a bundle containing 13.9 grams of methamphetamine, believed to have been thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit. It was an extraordinary discovery for any K-9 handler, but even more impressive coming from a rookie dog only recently certified for service.

Assisting agencies in the incident included the Tama and Toledo Police Departments, Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Toledo Fire, and Toledo Ambulance Service. Their collaboration, along with MNPD’s quick action, helped ensure the safety of all involved. It is important to note that the suspect’s injuries were the direct result of his own reckless driving. Officers acted within policy, maintained safety, and prevented further harm to the public.

K-9 Aseni’s sharp instincts and steady demeanor have already proven the value of MNPD’s K-9 program. Finding discarded narcotics after a high-speed rollover was a long shot, yet Aseni’s training and focus paid off. His work not only aided investigators but also removed dangerous drugs from our roadways. For a young dog just starting his career, Aseni’s success is a clear sign that he has both the talent and determination to serve our community for years to come.

The Meskwaki Nation Police Department is proud of K-9 Aseni’s outstanding performance and grateful to every officer and agency that assisted. In just his first few weeks on duty, Aseni has shown that he truly knows his stuff. His quick work and persistence reflect the professionalism and dedication that keep our community safe. It’s clear this is only the beginning for our newest four-legged officer.