Minnesota authorities on Wednesday arrested a Dubuque man for his role in an August motorcycle crash in which his wife was killed. 40 year old Shannon Katka was arrested Wednesday by police in Albert Lea, Minnesota on a Dubuque warrant charging homicide by vehicular operation under the influence, Katka appeared in court Thursday and is awaiting extradition to Dubuque. He is being held in Minnesota on a $250,000 cash-only bond. On August 29th, Katka was driving north on East 16th Street approaching the entrance ramp to U.S. 61/151. Katka lost control of his motorcycle and crashed, ejecting his passenger, 43 year old Shelly Brenke of Dubuque. Brenke was pronounced dead at the scene. A review of city traffic camera footage showed a man appearing to be Katka cutting off a vehicle shortly before the crash. Katka also admitted to being the driver and consuming alcohol over a five-hour period prior to the crash.
