On October 10th 2018, emergency crews from Le Mars Police, Fire and EMS, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa DOT and a private tow company were working an accident scene on business Highway 75 between 18th and 24th St. An emergency road closure with detour had been established, with north bound traffic being routed onto 24th St from business Highway 75. IDOT and a tow company employee were directing traffic at this intersection routing traffic onto 24th St.

At approximately 0650 hours, a north bound vehicle driven by Thomas Toben of rural Westfield was northbound on business Highway 75 and entered the emergency scene. Toben struck an IDOT pickup that had emergency lights active causing damage to the truck. The Toben vehicle then continued and struck Mark Stockton who was on foot directing traffic causing a serious leg injury to Stockton.

The Toben vehicle, a white 2007 Ford 500, received about $3,000 in damage.

The IDOT vehicle received about $300 in damage.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene. Stockton was taken to Floyd Valley Hospital by Le Mars Ambulance #2.

This accident remains under investigation by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol.

Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.