On 1/27/2017 at 7:39 p.m., The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle that had gone into the ditch in the 4800 block of 460th Avenue. Upon an investigation into the accident, a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser owned by Mechelle Gross of Pocahontas but driven by Melissa Carol Gross, age 21 of Pocahontas, was traveling northbound in the 4800 block of 460th Avenue. Due to the road surface conditions, the Gross vehicle lost traction and control and entered the west ditch of 460th Avenue. After entering the west ditch, the vehicle made contact with a distribution box and pole. Gross was checked out on scene by Mallard First Responders for possible injury but was not transported.
As a result of the accident, Gross was cited for Failure to Maintain Control, Operation without Registration and Fail to Prove Liability (No Insurance-Accident). The Gross vehicle sustained an approximate $2000.00 worth of damages. At the time of this report, the distribution box and pole sustained an approximate $200.00 worth of damages.
The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mallard First Responders.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.