News : Accident leaves one utility pole down and car in the river

A bit of entertainment, education and embarrassment on Friday morning as car is retrieved

On 04/23/2020, the Vinton Police Department responded to a report of a utility pole that appeared to have been struck down by a vehicle along River Side Drive just east of Fischer Pavilion.

Tire tracks appeared to have left the roadway and into the Cedar River leaving vehicle debris along the way indicating that the vehicle was underwater in the Cedar River as there was nothing visible on the surface of the river.

As officers began their investigation the vehicle owner approached and stated that the driver was safe and currently at home. Officers determined, after speaking to the 24-year-old driver Joel Hanover, Vinton, that there were no other passengers in the vehicle, that he was the only occupant. The driver sustained only minor injuries.

Plans then began to arrange the removal of the vehicle from the Cedar River which was executed with assistance from the Johnson County Metro Dive Team, Vinton Fire Department, Department of Natural Resources, Darrah's Towing & Recovery, and the Vinton Police Department. The vehicle was an apparent total loss.

The accident is still under investigation by the Vinton Police Department.

More photos can be seen here

Thanks Becky C.!