Spirit Lake, Iowa — Spirit Lake Police have released the name of the man who died after crashing his vehicle while attempting to elude police earlier this week.
On Tuesday, at approximately 12:30am, Spirit Lake Police initiated a traffic stop on a 2004 Ford F-150 pickup. Authorities say the driver of the vehicle, identified as 26 year old Colton Baschke, of Spirit Lake, did not stop and attempted to elude the officer. After a short pursuit that lasted approximately three minutes, the officer reportedly lost sight of the vehicle. Police say the vehicle was subsequently located after it had been involved in a collision. According to the report, based on preliminary investigation, the vehicle traveled across a residential lawn, collided with a small utility shed and came to rest approximately 15 feet off shore in East Lake Okoboji. Authorities say it also appears Mr. Baschke had been ejected from the vehicle as a result of the accident.
According to Spitit Lake Police, Baschke was provided medical attention at the scene by law enforcement and medical personnel. He was transported to Lakes Regional Healthcare by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased.
Cops say a technical accident investigation is being completed by the Iowa State Patrol.
The Spirit Lake Police Department was assisted on scene by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Arnolds Park Police Department, Okoboji Police Department, Milford Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Lakes Regional Ambulance and Spirit Lake First Responders.
~~~Original story~~~
Spirit Lake, Iowa — One person is dead after attempting to elude Spirit Lake Police Officers early Tuesday morning.
According to the Spirit Lake Police Department, at approximately 12:30am Tuesday, officers initiated a traffic stop on a 2004 Ford F-150 pickup. Police say the driver of the pickup attempted to elude officers and a short pursuit ensued, before officers lost contact with the vehicle. Authorities report that a few minutes later, the pickup was located after it had been involved in a traffic crash. Police say the crash resulted in the pickup traveling through a residential yard, colliding with a small utility shed and then coming to rest in East Okoboji Lake. The driver of the vehicle was taken to Lakes Regional Healthcare where he was pronounced deceased, according to authorities. The name of the driver is being withheld pending family notification.
Police say the incident is currently under investigation.
The Spirit Lake Police Department was assisted on scene by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, Arnolds Park Police Department, Okoboji Police Department, Milford Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Lakes Regional Ambulance and First Responders.
