Caledonia Argus

High speed chase leads to accident

Posted: 1/27/04

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

High speeds and loose sand were to blame for a one-vehicle accident that sent two men to the hospital Friday night, Jan. 23.

Scott E. Hughes, 25, of Postville, IA, and Jesse L. Hitchcock, 22, of Waukon, IA, were taken by med-Link helicopter to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center after they lost control of their vehicle on a corner half a mile west of the top of Pool Hill while westbound on Co. Hwy. 2. Their vehicle went off the south side of the highway and rolled several times.

According to authorities, the accident occurred during a short chase while the victims were fleeing from an Allamakee County deputy.

The incident stemmed from a 911 call at 11:05 p.m. to the Allamakee County Sheriffís Office from a rural New Albin resident who stated that shots had been fired from a vehicle on the roadway.

Two Allamakee deputies were dispatched to investigate. One deputy observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of the original call and attempted to stop the vehicle. When it fled, deputies pursued the vehicle approximately a half of a mile into Houston County before the accident happened.

At 11:20 p.m., the Houston County Sheriffís Office received information from Allamakee County of the accident and responded to the scene. The New Albin fire and rescue and Allamakee County responded to the scene.

The two victims were extricated from the vehicle with the help of the New Albin Fire and Rescue Squad.

Information was not available on whether seatbelts were used, if alcohol was involved, or who was driving.The accident is under investigation by the Houston County Sheriffís Office.

Houston County Chief Deputy Ken Frank said he expects there may be charges filed when the department finishes with its reports. ìIt will be forwarded to the county attorney, ìhe said.

Hitchcock was released from the hospital on Sunday, Jan. 25, Hughes was still in the hospital on Monday, Jan. 26.

Medical information was not available on the condition of the men.

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