O’Brien County, Iowa — One man was jailed in O’Brien County and another in Clay County in the aftermath of a collision and altercation that took place on Tuesday (December 18, 2018).
O’Brien County authorities say they received several 911 calls around 3:00 Tuesday afternoon reporting a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of 340th Street and Warbler Avenue, south of Hartley. Authorities say one vehicle was in the ditch, and another had left the scene, and was later located about a half mile into Clay County on 340th Street.
According to authorities, deputies from Clay and O’Brien counties, along with Iowa State Troopers, responded to the scene. Deputies say the two vehicles involved in the crash were a 2001 Mercedes, driven by 28-year old Jacob Hunefeld of Peoria, Arizona, and a 2001 Chevy Suburban, driven by 18-year old RJ Cole of Ayrshire.
Authorities say their investigation revealed that the collision stemmed from an earlier incident involving the sale of the Mercedes by Terry Brown of Royal to Sarah Graves of Hartley. Brown alleged that Graves didn’t pay the full amount needed for the car when they met in Royal earlier in the day to complete the transaction. Graves reportedly said she’d have to return to her residence in Hartley to get the remaining money owed on the car. The report indicates that Brown agreed, and sent RJ Cole in another vehicle to follow Graves and Hunefeld back to Hartley. Along the way, Cole reportedly said it became apparent that Hunefeld and Graves weren’t going to stop and get the money.
The report indicates that Cole eventually decided to attempt to get Hunefeld to stop at the intersection of 340th and Warbler. At the time, Cole was ahead of Hunefeld as they headed southbound on Warbler Avenue, south of Hartley. Hunefeld reportedly attempted to turn east onto 340th Street. Authorities say Cole maneuvered his vehicle in a way to attempt to force Hunefeld to stop. The report says that Hunefeld instead accelerated to try and get around Cole before the road was blocked. In the process, authorities say, the two vehicles collided, sending Cole’s Suburban into the south ditch, while the Mercedes continued eastbound on 340th Street, even though the car had sustained significant damage. Deputies say Hunefeld eventually traveled into Clay County before he was forced to stop due to the Mercedes being disabled from damage in the crash.
Authorities say Terry Brown had driven to the initial accident location and picked up Cole, then together they drove to the location of Hunefeld and Graves. There, an argument ensued during which Brown is alleged to have pushed Hunefeld.
A deputy from the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old RJ Cole on a charge of Reckless Driving and a second charge of Simple Assault. Both charges are simple misdemeanors and Cole was booked into the O’Brien County Jail. Cole will make an appearance in O’Brien County Magistrate Court at a later time.
A deputy from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office reportedly arrested Terry Brown for simple assault for his role in the portion of the altercation that occurred in Clay County. Brown was transported to the Clay County Jail and booked into jail on the assault charge. He will later make an appearance in Clay County Magistrate Court.
