Northeast Iowa Chase Ends In Crash, Buchanan County Deputy Hurt

A Buchanan County sheriff's deputy suffered serious injuries in a crash that followed a pursuit of a man Saturday afternoon.

According to a press release, 23-year-old deputy Daniel Walter of Independence was airlifted from the scene and flown to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Walter was awake, alert and was in series condition, Buchanan County officials reported Saturday night.

Authorities said the pursuit began when a vehicle driven by 29-year-old Allen Kraphl, Jr., struck a pedestrian in Oelwein, then left the scene. The accident happened around 2:40 PM Saturday near the intersection of North Frederick Ave. (Iowa Highways 150 and 3) and 5th St. NE/NW. The pedestrian was taken to the Oelwein hospital, where he was treated and released.

Shortly after the accident, an Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation officer spotted the suspect vehicle going east on 50th St. near L Ave. in Fayette County, about four miles east of Oelwein.
Buchanan County sheriff's officials said the pursuit ensued when Kraphl refused to stop.

The chased ended in Buchanan County when Kraphl's vehicle collided with Walter's patrol vehicle at a rural intersection southeast of Lamont. Authorities said Kraphl tried to flee the scene on foot after the accident, but was apprehended by the DNR's conservation officer.

Sheriff's officials said the charges are pending in the pursuit and crash, which is being investigated by the Iowa State Patrol.