(Spirit Lake)– Authorities have released details into a head-on crash Monday on Highway nine east of Spirit Lake that sent several people to the hospital.
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office says 51-year-old Elizabeth Kleinhart of Atwater, Minnesota was driving a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee westbound when the vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with a 2004 Pontiac Montana driven by 42-year-old Patricia Hoferman of Milford.
Kleinhart and Hoferman along with passengers in both vehicles whose names weren’t released, were taken to Lakes Regional Healthcare.
Upon investigating, authorities determined 25-year-old Timothy Martin of Terril had allegedly grabbed the steering wheel of the Kleinhart vehicle forcing it into the oncoming lane of traffic. Authorities believe the two were arguing at the time.
Martin was later arrested and charged with operating while intoxicated…third offense…a class “D” felony; child endangerment…a class “D” felony; driving while suspended…a simple misdemeanor; and reckless driving…also a simple misdemeanor. Martin was booked into the Dickinson county jail on a 10-thousand dollar bond.
The Iowa State Patrol, Spirit Lake police, Spirit Lake Fire Department and Lakes Regional Ambulance Service assisted on the scene.
The crash took place shortly before 4:00 p.m.
