In a harrowing incident captured on dashcam, a driver suspected of being intoxicated collided head-on with another vehicle on a highway south of Story City, Iowa. This crash, which occurred after the driver failed to heed a deputy’s attempt to stop him, resulted in three cars being damaged, yet miraculously, no serious injuries were reported.

The Story County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to explain that one of their deputies had noticed a car driving unpredictably on Highway 69 on November 8. The vehicle eventually veered into oncoming traffic, sparking the dangerous encounter.

The dramatic dashcam footage reveals the deputy pursuing the rogue vehicle on the wrong side of the road, sirens wailing in an attempt to halt the driver. The video captures the tense moments as the patrol car closes in, seconds before the inevitable crash.

This footage, provided by the sheriff’s office, shows the suspected drunk driver speeding on the incorrect side of Highway 69 just before the collision near Story City, Iowa, on November 8, 2025. Fortunately, there were no significant injuries reported.

Approximately 13 seconds after the deputy’s approach, the car slammed directly into a sedan, subsequently hitting a pickup truck, which was then forced into the sedan. The crash scattered debris across the highway, leaving a trail of shattered glass, twisted metal, and personal items strewn on the road.

The sheriff’s office reported that the deputy swiftly stopped to provide assistance. Body camera footage depicts the deputy initially assessing the car responsible for the crash, opening the rear driver’s-side door where an airbag had deployed. He then moved to check on the other two vehicles, where some of the passengers had already exited.

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 impact. (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 impact. (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.