On Friday, November 5, 2021, at 07:28, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office investigated a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Jefferson and 19th Street in Emmetsburg. Following an investigation into the accident, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office determined that a 16 year old female juvenile was operating a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer owned by Jon Carlson of Emmetsburg, and was traveling east on 19th Street and attempting to navigate the curve onto Jefferson Street. While driving, Carlson was inattentive due to the use of an electronic device and failed to see an Emmetsburg Police vehicle, a 2016 Ford F150, traveling south on Jefferson Street and attempting to navigate the curve onto 19th Street. Carlson’s vehicle collided head on with the Emmetsburg Police vehcle, causing damage to the driver’s side front quarter panel of both vehicles. There was an estimated $600.00 damage to Carlson’s vehicle and an estimated $2,000.00 to the Emmetsburg Police vehicle. There were no injuries reported in the accident.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office cited the female driver for using an electronic device while driving with a restricted intermediate license, which is a simple misdemeanor.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.