Orange City, Iowa — A 39-year old Rock Valley man will serve five years in prison following his conviction on a felony drunk driving charge.
Sioux County Attorney Thomas Kunstle says that Daniel Harold Rice was sentenced earlier this week in Sioux County District Court for the crime of Serious Injury by Vehicle – OWI, a Class D Felony. Kunstle prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Iowa.
According to Kunstle the case arose from an incident that happened during the overnight hours of January 24, 2015. He says a patrol deputy noticed brake lights intermittently flashing in a rural field and after illuminating the field, he saw a pickup on its roof, surrounding debris, and smoke coming from the engine. The deputy reportedly found Rice trapped inside, still in his seatbelt, with beer bottles scattered amongst the debris.
The vehicle’s passenger was reportedly ejected from the vehicle, and was discovered 15 yards away and in critical condition.
Both were taken by ambulance for emergency care. Kunstle says Rice’s blood was drawn showing his blood alcohol content was 0.262. The passenger’s injuries reportedly included numerous broken ribs, a serious femur fracture, tibia and fibula fractures, and a pelvic fracture.
Kunstle says Rice was sentenced to five years in prison on the Serious Injury by Vehicle – OWI conviction. He was also sentenced to pay a $750 criminal fine and ordered to pay any victim restitution later determined by the State.
