Sheldon, Iowa — A Hartley man was taken to the hospital following a crash on Highway 18 in eastern Sheldon Tuesday evening.
According to the report from the Sheldon Police Department, the crash happened about 6:35 Tuesday evening, when a 2006 Ford F350 pickup, driven by 67-year old Russell Rohlfsen of Le Mars was stopped at the stop sign at the corner of Highway 18 and Crossroads Drive, near Bomgaars, facing north. Authorities say Rohlfsen proceeded into the intersection, failing to yield to an eastbound 2015 Honda motorcycle, driven by 43-year old Phillip Mossberg of Hartley.
The report says Mossberg told police he saw the pickup entering the intersection, and took evasive action, which caused the motorcycle to tip over, and Mossberg to be thrown from the bike. Officers say they measured 95.4-feet of skid marks on Highway 18, which had been left by the bike. The report says that, based on the “Speed From Skid Formula”, the motorcycle’s speed was estimated at 44 to 49 miles-per-hour prior to the crash. The report notes that the speed limit in that area is 55, leading the officer to conclude that Mossberg was not exceeding the posted speed limit.
According to authorities, Mossberg was transported by the Sheldon Community Ambulance Team to Sanford Sheldon Medical Center for treatment of what the crash report describes as “serious, incapacitating injuries.”
Police say Rohlfsen was cited for Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Obey Stop Sign and Yield Right of Way, and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability.
Damage to Mossberg’s motorcycle were estimated to be about $2-thousand, while the report indicates damage to Rohlsen’s pickup at $1.
