Numerous 9-1-1 calls about a person driving on the wrong side of the road Sunday night in Red Oak led authorities to a disoriented, elderly woman. Red Oak Police say they were notified at around 5:45-p.m. about the 2003 Ford Taurus driving on the wrong side of the road at N. 8th and Elm Streets. Their report said people were having to drive up onto the curb to avoid a collision. Police found the vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road near 8th and Coolbaugh Streets. They stopped the driver, 90-year old Aline Fern Ecternach, of Red Oak, who did not remember driving on the wrong side of the road, and mentioned she does not normally drive at night.

Officers noticed damage to the left front side of her car, and that her side view mirror was broken off. They drove the woman home. Dispatch later advised 28-year old Chad Allen Hanseling, of Red Oak, reported a hit and run involving his 2006 Dodge Charger. Police asked Ecternach if she remembers hitting a vehicle, but she did not. She said she may have passed out for a minute, though. Hanseling advised Police that he was traveling north on N. 8th Street as he was passing Reed Street. He noticed the wrong way car and pulled over as far as possible to avoid it and even stopped, but the Taurus continued into his lane and struck his Dodge.

Damage from the collision amounted to $1,800.  The report showed no citations were issued.