–An Algona man is facing multiple charges following a 2-vehicle accident earlier this month along McGreggor Road.
According to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office, 17-year-old Ellie Marie Vipond of Algona was traveling east bound on McGregor Road just east of 100th Avenue in a 2011 Chevy Cruze, around 9:30 PM on Thursday, March 14th. Vipond told Deputies that as she came down the hill west of Algona, multiple deer were standing in the road. Vipond hit the brakes in her vehicle hard enough to leave tire marks on the road, but she was unable to avoid hitting one of the animals.
After Vipond struck one of the deer, her car was struck from behind by a 2007 Chevy Equinox, driven by 54-year-old Ralph McGuire of Algona.
A further investigation of the accident revealed McGuire had attempted to hide his involvement by calling a friend and asking her to tell the authorities she was driving his vehicle when the accident occurred. The report states that after speaking with Vipond’s mother the next day, Deputies questioned McGuire and eventually learned that he was the one driving the Equinox involved in the collision. The report also states that McGuire did not deny that he asked Vipond to lie to law enforcement about his involvement.
McGuire is being charged with Interference with Official Acts, Driving while Barred and Failure to Stop in a Clear and Assured Distance. Damage to both of the vehicles was estimated at $7,500.
