(Spirit Lake)– A Spirit Lake police officer was nearly struck by a vehicle while investigating a complaint late Friday night.
A news release says officers were responding to a complaint of a party in the area of 12th street and Fargo Avenue in Spirit Lake around 11:17 p.m. Officers were talking to people involved when they noticed a vehicle backing down an alley without any lights on.
Officer Jeff Hanson approached the vehicle on foot and was nearly struck by it when the driver put the vehicle into gear and accelerated rapidly toward Hanson’s position. He managed to get out of the way and wasn’t injured.
A short pursuit took place during which the suspect allegedly disobeyed several traffic control devices. The vehicle was eventually stopped in the area of 24th street and Jackson Avenue. The 17-year-old driver, who’s from Hartley, was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He was apprehended and transported to the YES Center in Cherokee. He was charged with assault on a peace officer, eluding, operating while intoxicated, reckless driving, and numerous traffic violations.
