Storm Lake, Iowa — Just two and a half weeks after two people lost their lives when their car broke through the ice on Storm Lake, another driver allegedly tempted fate on Wednesday morning.
According to the Storm Lake Police Department, just before 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, a Storm Lake Police Officer while on patrol observed a vehicle driving on the sand at Awaysis Beach. The officer allegedly observed the vehicle begin to drive on the frozen ice of Storm Lake off of the beach within approximately 40 feet of open water. The report says the officer began yelling at the motorist who had driven approximately 30 feet onto the ice and was able to catch their attention at which time the motorist drove back onto the beach.
Police made contact with the driver and identified her as 34-year-old Sandra Edith Chavez of Storm Lake. Police allege that Chavez was intoxicated and took her into custody. Following an investigation, police charged Chavez with OWI. She was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on a $1000 bond.
Storm Lake Public Safety Director Mark Prosser says, “It’s our belief that this officer’s observations and quick response averted yet another potential tragedy on the unpredictable ice of Storm Lake.”
