(Des Moines) An Ames woman faces an alcohol-related charge following a motor vehicle accident involving a Polk County deputy early Sunday morning.
The Iowa State Patrol says the incident happened at around 12:13 a.m. on northbound Interstate 235 near the 11.7-mile marker.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, 41-year-old Mary Ann Gaither of Ames was driving a 2012 Toyota Sienna van southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 near the 88-mile marker. A female juvenile passenger was in the van.
An Iowa State Patrol trooper provided updates as the van continued onto Interstate 235, where authorities say it nearly struck seven vehicles.
The State Patrol attempted to stop the van just south of Euclid Avenue on eastbound I-235. Authorities say Gaither failed to yield and nearly collided with the patrol cruiser.
Gaither continued southbound and nearly struck a Polk County deputy’s vehicle head-on before stopping near the 11-mile marker.
The deputy, whose name was not released, was not injured.
The female juvenile passenger was taken to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines for treatment of injuries.
Gaither was taken into custody and faces a charge of OWI, third offense.
