Algona, IA (northwestiowanow) — A Milford truck driver is facing multiple felony charges in connection with an April crash that killed an Emmetsburg woman.
On Monday, April 27th, 40-year-old Teddy Gayle Kutsch was driving a semitrailer south on 90th Avenue when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign.
The truck collided with an SUV traveling east on 210th Street. The driver, identified as 47-year-old Carolee Wise of Emmetsburg, was killed, and a 76-year-old passenger was also injured.
Court documents cited in a published report indicate a cellphone in Kutsch’s possession launched Facebook at 10:26 a.m., just 19 seconds before the first 911 call reporting the crash.
Investigators say Kutsch was the only person in the semitrailer.
He was charged with homicide by vehicle by reckless driving, a Class C felony, and serious injury by vehicle, a Class D felony.
Kutsch has pleaded not guilty to the felony charges, along with misdemeanor charges related to failing to obey a stop sign and yield the right of way and failing to maintain or use safety belts.
He was booked into the Kossuth County Jail August 21st and released on bond the following day.
Following the crash, Kossuth County officials discussed safety at the intersection, and additional signage and flashing lights were installed.
