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Semi drivers help law enforcement end a Union County pursuit

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October 6th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

UNION COUNTY, Iowa (KCCI) —Authorities in southwest Iowa say two semi-truck drivers helped stop a high-speed chase Wednesday on Highway 34.

Union County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a woman suspected of assault driving westbound on the highway. When they attempted to pull Marissa Waigand over, she “intentionally drove into the south ditch at a high rate of speed, then re-entered Hwy 34 eastbound reaching speeds of 100 mph,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

Waigand, 23, of Afton, led deputies on a chase during which she “drove in the opposing lane of traffic and forced oncoming vehicles onto the shoulder, she passed other vehicles on the right shoulder at speeds of over 80 mph nearly causing numerous accidents,” the release said.

Heading westbound again after a U-turn, Waigand approached two semis that she had previously passed. According to the release, those semi drivers “slowed and blocked both lanes of travel. Waigand attempted to go around the semis on the shoulder and lost control of her vehicle and entered the north ditch.”

Multiple charges are pending against Waigand, who was taken to a Des Moines hospital after the crash.