A harrowing scene unfolded on a highway south of Story City, Iowa, as dramatic dashcam footage captured the terrifying moment a suspected intoxicated driver collided head-on with another car. This alarming incident, which left three vehicles damaged, fortunately resulted in no serious injuries.

According to the Story County Sheriff’s Office, on November 8, a deputy noticed a vehicle driving erratically along Highway 69. The driver soon veered into oncoming traffic, prompting a tense pursuit.

The dashcam video reveals the deputy’s cruiser, sirens wailing, in pursuit of the vehicle as it dangerously occupied the wrong side of the road. The footage shows the deputy’s car rapidly closing in just seconds before the inevitable collision.

In the video, the suspect’s vehicle is seen ramming head-on into a sedan before subsequently striking a pickup truck, which was then shoved into the initial car. The collision left a trail of destruction, with debris, shattered glass, and mangled metal strewn across the highway, alongside scattered personal belongings.

This shocking incident, occurring on a seemingly ordinary day, underscores the perils of impaired driving and the quick response of law enforcement officers to avert potential tragedies on our roads.

The sheriff’s office said the deputy immediately stopped to render aid. Body camera footage shows him first approaching the vehicle that caused the crash, opening the rear driver’s-side door where the airbag had filled the back seat. He then checked the other two cars, where some occupants were already outside.

Body camera footage shows a Story County deputy checking vehicles involved in a three-car crash Nov. 8 south of Story City, Iowa. Officials say the deputy immediately rendered aid after the crash. (Story County Sheriff’s Office)

“Thankfully, no major injuries were reported,” the sheriff’s office wrote, adding that the crash was preventable and urging drivers never to get behind the wheel while impaired.

Body camera footage shows a Story County deputy checking vehicles involved in a three-car crash south of Story City, Iowa. Officials say the deputy immediately rendered aid after the crash. (Story County Sheriff’s Office)

The driver was arrested and charged with first-offense operating while intoxicated, driving on the wrong side of a two-way highway and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said the crash serves as a reminder of how quickly impaired or distracted driving can turn dangerous. The investigation is ongoing.