On September 19, 2019, at 3:01 p.m., the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two vehicle accident in the 3400 Block of 370th avenue near Ruthven. The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office determined a 2013 Chevrolet pickup, owned by Iowa Lakes Regional Water and operated by Louis Dehrkoop (63) of Everly, IA., was northbound on 370th Avenue looking for a water leak in the west ditch. Dehrkoop thought he observed the source of the water leak, stopped his vehicle and backed up. A 2013 Ford Taurus, registered to Tyson Fresh Foods and operated by Brian Garrels (63) of Emmetsburg, IA., was stopped behind the Dehrkoop vehicle. Garrels observed the pickup begin to backup but was unable to avoid being hit by the Dehrkoop vehicle.
An estimated damage to the vehicle operated by Garrels was $3,000. No damage was done to the vehicle being operated by Dehrkoop. Dehrkoop was issued a citation for unsafe backing on highway, a simple misdemeanor. No injuries were reported at the scene.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.