On Friday, January 30, 2015 at approximately 2:40 PM, Buchanan County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 380 near the 49 mile marker. According to the investigation, a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander operated by James Francis Gehrke, age 57, of Waterloo was traveling northbound on I380 near the 49 mile marker when he struck the rear of a semi-trailer traveling the same direction. The semi was a 2005 Freightliner operated by Juan Garcia of Lake Worth, FL. The Gehrke vehicle entered crossed the median and entered the southbound lanes of traffic where it came to a stop on the side of the road. No injuries were reported.
Gehrke was arrested and charged with second offense Operating While Intoxicated (aggravated misdemeanor). Gehrke was also cited for Reckless Driving and Failure to Stop in Assured Clear Distance. Damage was estimated at $3,500 to the Gehrke vehicle and no damage was reported to the semi-trailer. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Iowa Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
