Sioux Center, Iowa — A crash between two cars that were engaged in an apparent road rage incident in Sioux Center Tuesday noon, sent one person to the hospital, according to Sioux Center Police.
Officers say a 2012 Buick, driven by 19-year-old Benjamin Van Otterloo, of Rock Valley was northbound in the 700 block of South Main in Sioux Center. A second car, a 2003 Buick, driven by 36-year-old Brianna Nelson, of Sioux Center, was also northbound on South Main Avenue, behind the Van Otterloo car.
Officers say both vehicles were traveling at a high rate of speed due to an apparent road rage incident caused by a prior accident.
According to authorities, Nelson attempted to pass Van Otterloo’s car several times in order to pull Van Otterloo over. They say that, after two unsuccessful attempts, Nelson allegedly decided to stop the Van Otterloo vehicle by force.
Police say that, in the 1800 block of North Main, Nelson “purposely and forcefully” side-swiped Van Otterloo’s car and tried to push it into the ditch in an attempt to stop the vehicle. As a result, police say Nelson’s car spun out, and came to rest in the left turn lane of the southbound traffic.
Van Otterloo was reportedly taken to the Sioux Center Hospital by Sioux Center Ambulance after the crash.
Damage to Van Otterloo’s car was estimated at $3,000, while Nelson’s car sustained an estimated $2,000.
Authorities say Nelson was charged with Reckless Driving and Operation Without Registration, as a result of the crash.
