RUTHVEN, IA (Northwestiowanow) – An Emmetsburg woman faces an OWI charge following a two-vehicle crash near rural Ruthven Sunday.
According to a release from the Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched June 28 at approximately 8:13 p.m. after reports of a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of 370th Avenue and 360th Street.
Investigators say 65-year-old Debra Lee Metz of Emmetsburg was driving a 2016 Ford Explorer southbound on 370th Avenue when she reached the intersection with 360th Street. She allegedly failed to obey a stop sign and yield the right of way while attempting to turn east.
At the same time, a 2015 Jeep Wrangler driven by a juvenile female was traveling eastbound on 360th Street and approaching the intersection. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.
No injuries were reported in the crash. Damage to the vehicles was estimated at approximately $10,000 each. An Iowa Department of Transportation stop sign was also damaged, with losses estimated at $200.
Following an investigation, Metz was arrested and charged with first-offense Operating While Intoxicated, a serious misdemeanor, and Failure to Obey a Stop Sign/Yield Right of Way, a simple misdemeanor.
She was booked into the Palo Alto County Jail pending an initial appearance before a magistrate.
Palo Alto County Emergency Medical Services, the Ruthven Fire Department and Wickman’s Towing assisted at the scene.
