Single Vehicle Accident

On 6-27-2019 at 10:46 a.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a rollover accident in the 3800 block of Highway 18. Upon arrival it was determined that a PLS (Palletized Loading System) pulling a trailer was being operated by a Soldier with the Iowa National Guard as part of a military convoy. The vehicle in front of the PLS began to slow, which caused the driver of the PLS to brake also. Due to the rain and wet road conditions the trailer began to hydroplane. When the driver attempted to regain control of the PLS and trailer the trailer jackknifed, rolled over and detached from the power unit. The load on the trailer seperated and spilled onto the road and shoulder.

No injuries were repoprted as a result of the accident and an estimated $20,000.00 damage occurred to the trailer and load. Highway 18 was closed for a short period of time while the trailer and contents were removed from the roadway. The driver of the PLS, Clayton Tuttle of Humboldt, Ia., was cited for speed in excess for conditions/failure to maintain control.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.