On December 9, 2020, at 12:42 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a call of two vehicle accident in the 3100 block of 530th Avenue near Depew. Upon investigation it was determined a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Pearl Cruz (29) of Swea City, IA, was southbound on 530th Avenue when a 2008 Jeep Liberty operated by William Christopher Elbert (74) of Whittemore, IA, attempted to turn south on 530th avenue from 310th Street. Elbert did not see the Cruz vehicle and drove into Cruz’s path. Elbert’s vehicle would come to rest in the west ditch. The Cruz vehicle would come to rest in the middle of 530th Avenue.
Cruz complained of chest pain and was transported to the Palo Alto County Hospital for possible injuries. Elbert was not injured in the accident. Damage to the Cruz vehicle was estimated at $5,000. Damage to the Elbert vehicle was estimated at $4,000. Elbert was charged with failure to obey stop sign and yield right of way, a simple misdemeanor.
Assisting the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office at the scene was the Emmetsburg Ambulance Service and Wickman Towing.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.