On Monday, July 16th, 2018, at 9:20 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office investigated a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of 320th Street and 470th Avenue. Following the investigation, the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office deteremined that Michael Hoffman (52) of Emmetsburg, was driving his 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 east bound in the 4600 block of 320th Street. Kaitlyn Mason (19) of Emmetsubrg, was driving her 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee north bound in the 3200 block of 470th Avenue. Both Hoffman and Mason approached the intersection of 320th Street and 470th Avenue, arriving at the intersection simultaneously. Prior to contact, Mason attempted to slow down, eventually striking the passenger side of Hoffman’s vehicle. After contact, Hoffman’s vehicle slid sideways and rolled over into the northeast ditch, coming to rest on it’s top. Mason’s vehicle spun around and came to rest in the middle of the intersection. Both Mason and Hoffman received minor injuries from the accident. Both Mason and Hoffman’s vehicles were deemed a total loss from the accident. Following the investigation, Michael Hoffman was issued a citation for failure to yield to the right at an uncontrolled intersection, which is a simple misdemeanor.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.