A Spencer man received an OWI and other charges following a vehicle mishap that led to the passenger receiving serious injuries.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred shortly before noon this past Tuesday, November 15th. Authorities determined that 59-year-old Steven Hoogeterp was traveling east on Highway 18 and lost control of his truck in the 23-hundred mile. The vehicle entered the south ditch, spun approximately 90 degrees to the east, and was facing south as it slid sideways through the ditch and over some smaller trees. The truck came to rest facing south as it collided into a bigger tree.
An investigation determined that Hoogeterp had been consuming alcoholic beverages. Due to possible injuries to both Hoogeterp and a passenger in his vehicle, they were both transported to the Spencer Hospital by the Spencer Ambulance. After being released from the hospital, Hoogeterp was arrested and transported to the Clay County Jail. He was charged with Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense, a serious misdemeanor…as well as Failure to Maintain Control, Open Container, and Failure to Maintain a Seat Belt, all simple misdemeanors.
Due to medical concerns, Hoogeterp was released from jail and was given a court date. The passenger in the accident was flown to McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to be treated for further injuries.
