Accident

On Monday, October 4, 2021, at 3:37 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a motor vehicle accident in the 4700th block of 460th Avenue near Mallard, IA. After investigation it was determined Cathy Backstrom (67) of Mallard, IA, was northbound on 460th Avenue in a 1996 Chevrolet pickup owned by Joseph Schuller of Mallard, IA. Backstrom was attempting to turn left into a farm driveway when William Aden (26) of Palmer, IA, operating a 2007 Freightliner, owned by Wessel’s Oil Company, attempted to pass Backstrom. Aden’s vehicle would collide with the vehicle being operated by Backstrom.

Damage to Wessels Freightliner was estimated at $7,500. Damage to the vehicle being operated by Backstrom was deemed a total loss. Aden was cited for unsafe passing, a simple misdemeanor. No injuries were reported at the scene.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.