Crime & Safety
More from Iowa State Patrol on Christmas Crash that Killed Man Chasing Dog
A trooper provided additional information about the death of a Marine on St. Croix resident on I-35 in Iowa.
A few new details in the Dec. 25 crash that took the life of a local resident:
Lawrence Anderson of Marine on St. Croix was traveling with his wife and their dog on I-35 on Christmas night when their vehicle broke down by the side of the freeway, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
The 74-year-old man got out—and so did the dog. Anderson died when another vehicle struck him as he was trying to retrieve the pet from the roadway. The driver of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban said he didn't see Anderson in the dark.
Neither the other driver or Anderson's wife were injured, Trooper Matt Williams said Friday. The dog was taken to a local shelter in Iowa to be held for the family.
Road conditions on Wednesday night were "normal," Williams said. He called the incident "terrible."
Williams' advice if your vehicle breaks down or you lose something in the roadway:
- Pull over if possible and put on your emergency flashers.
- Stay in your vehicle.
- Only retrieve something in the roadway if you determine it is safe to do so. If it's not safe, call for a state trooper or other roadside assistance.
- If your vehicle is in a ditch, be sure the exhaust pipe is clear.
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