Clear Lake officer hospitalized after breaking up fight at truck stop

CLEAR LAKE – A Clear Lake Police Officer was injured early Friday morning, October 20, while attempting to stop a fight at the Pilot Travel Center, 2411 Highway 18 East in Clear Lake.

Officers Zach Hall and Tory Reimann were dispatched to the parking lot of Pilot at 2:10 am, to assist a commercial bus driver with escorting three allegedly intoxicated passengers from the vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located the individuals and asked them to exit. As they were getting off the bus, two began to fight with each other. During the attempt to break up the fight, Officer Reimann sustained a serious leg injury.

Officer Hall requested an ambulance and additional law enforcement. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason City Police Department, and the Clear Lake Fire Department responded. Once there, the three males were arrested and Officer Reimann was later transported to Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.

The three males involved in the incident are:
· Jerry Allen Farmer, age 31, of Saint Paul, MN

· J Patrick Keenan, age 53, of Saint Paul, MN

· James A Douglas, age 35, of Youngstown, OH

All were charged with Public Intoxication. Douglas was also charged with Disorderly Conduct. The charges are simple misdemeanors.

All three were transported to the Cerro Gordo County Law Enforcement Center by sheriff’s deputies.

Chief Pete Roth said “This incident highlights the risks faced daily by public safety professionals. I am relieved that Officer Reimann is doing well and should make a full recovery. I also appreciate the fast response and actions taken by deputies, medics, and officers who came to Tory’s aid.”

Officer Reimann was released from the hospital Friday morning. Officer Hall was uninjured.