On December 25, 2019, at approximately 5:47 pm, a Mar-Mac Police Officer was conducting traffic control north of Marquette, on State Highway 76, when a passenger car passed the stopped marked police patrol vehicle, with its red and blue lights activated, at a high rate of speed.
Upon activating the patrol vehicle’s radar unit, the southbound passing vehicle’s speed was calculated at 79 miles per hour in a posted 50 miles per hour zone.
The officer immediately pursued the vehicle in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop. As the officer arrived at the intersection of North Street, in Marquette, the officer found the same vehicle had collided head-on with a tree.
The vehicle, driven by Donyea T. Collins, from St. Paul, Minnesota and occupied by two adults and two children, was severely damaged with air bag deployment. The passengers, two adults and two children, were transported to Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin with non-life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation, statements were made, and evidence was found which lead to believe Collins operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of substances. A search warrant to obtain a specimen of Collins’ blood was submitted and approved. Collins’ blood specimen was sent to the Iowa DCI Crime Lab for analysis. Collins’ blood specimen revealed the presence of alcohol and a positive screen for marijuana metabolites.
Complaint and affidavits were filed accusing Collins of Child Endangerment – Serious Injury (Class C Felony), Child Endangerment – Bodily Injury (Class D Felony), Serious Injury by Vehicle (Class D Felony), Operating While Under the Influence 1st Offense (Serious Misdemeanor), and citied for Driving While License Suspended, Reckless Driving, Speeding, Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability – Accident Related, Failure to Maintain Control, Open Container – Driver, and Fail to Reduce Speed upon approach of Emergency Vehicle. A warrant for Collins’ arrest was requested.
Responding to the scene included Mar-Mac EMS, Tri-State EMS, McGregor Hook and Ladder, the Monona Police Department, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, and Bud’s Towing.
Robert Millin, Chief of Police
Mar-Mac Police Department
