On 03/08/2017 the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one vehicle accident in the 5300 block of 460th Street. Upon investigation it was determined that a green 2005 Chrysler Pacifica owned by Kelly Marie Torno of West Bend and driven by Christopher Steven Richardson of West Bend was eastbound on 460th Street when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a concrete wall on a bridge. The vehicle came to rest in the middle of the bridge. Damage to the Chrysler is estimated at $8,000 and the bridge did not receive any reportable damage. No injuries were reported on scene.
During the investigation it was learned that Richardson was operating the vehicle with a Suspended Iowa Driver License for nonpayment of an Iowa fine. Richardson was issued citations for Driving while Suspended and Failure to Maintain Control, both simple misdemeanors, and released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.