ESTHERVILLE, IA – Estherville Police have concluded an investigation into a pedestrian hit and run crash that occurred on June 20th, 2015 at approximately 12:20 a.m., in the 200 block of West 5th Avenue North.
The investigation revealed that Francie Solmonson, age 57, of Estherville was walking along West 5th Avenue North and was struck by a Silver 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The vehicle was being operated by 43 year old Jody Hobmeier, of Estherville. Police investigators allege that Hobmeier struck Solmonson, and left the scene of the crash. Hobmeier moved her vehicle from the scene of the crash, but found a witness to take her back to the scene where Francie Solmonson was located lying in the driveway at 215 West 5th Avenue North. The witness called 911 and rendered aid to Solmonson. Jody Hobmeier then left the area and did not speak with the responding officers to leave her information or give her account about how the crash occurred. Francie Solmonson was transported to Avera Holy Family Hospital and then was transported via Life Flight to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle at the Hobmeier residence and seized it as evidence in the crash. Following an analysis of the evidence in the case at the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Laboratory, officers charged Jody Hobmeier with Operating While Intoxicated 3rd Offense, a Class D Felony; Serious Injury by Vehicle, a Class D Felony; and Leaving the Scene of an Accident without Providing Information (Causing Serious Injury), an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Hobmeier was taken into custody on July 17th, 2015 and faces a $12,000 cash or surety bond.
The Estherville Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Department.
