A Storm Lake man suffered serious injuries after trying to outrun officers early Sunday morning. The Storm Lake Police Department reports an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle with only one headlight at approximately 2:47 a.m. The vehicle failed to pull over and instead took off, driving erratically and reaching speeds up to 90 miles per hour. The driver lost control on a curve, north of Storm Lake near Truesdale, and entered the ditch where the vehicle rolled several times. The driver and sole occupant, 26-year-old Gabriel Hernandez Palma, was trapped inside and had to be extricated by the Storm Lake Fire Department. He was transported to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center by Buena Vista Emergency Medical Services. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $5,000. The incident remains under investigation and authorities believe alcohol may have been a factor in the accident. Charges are pending toxicology reports. The Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.
