(Spencer)– A vehicle fire last month in Clay county led to the arrest of a Ruthven man. According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were called to the incident in the 31 hundred mile of 330th Avenue on the evening of November 27th. The driver was able to successfully exit the vehicle prior to it becoming fully engulfed in flames.
Following an investigation, it was determined that the driver, Michael Sanderson of Ruthven, had attempted to turn the vehicle around, and became high centered on the shoulder of the road. The vehicle’s muffler started the grass on fire, which in turn started the vehicle on fire.
The investigation also revealed that Sanderson was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, and subsequently arrested for OWI 1st Offense, a serious misdemeanor. He was booked into the Clay County Jail.
Sanderson reportedly sustained minor burns from the incident, but declined medical attention. The vehicle is considered a total loss.
The Ruthven Fire Department also responded to the scene.
