On 9-27-2017 at 1:12 A.M. the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Graettinger area on U.S. Hwy 4 for a report of a vehicle that had gone into the east ditch, re-entered the roadway and continued driving southbound on U.S. Hwy 4. The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop as the car entered the city of Emmetsburg. Through an investigation it was determined that the driver, Stephen Mincey (24) of Fort Dodge, Ia, was driving under the influence of alcohol. Mincey was arrested for O.W.I. – 1st Offense and transported to the Palo Alto County Jail. Mincey was also cited for failing to provide insurance. The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office was assisted during the traffic stop by the Emmetsburg Police Department.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.