An incident involving a semi backed up traffic on Interstate 80 on Monday afternoon.
According the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, calls began coming in shortly after 1 p.m. about a collision involving two semis in the westbound lanes close to the 173 mile marker, near the Kellogg exit for Iowa Highway 224.
A call came in at about 1:19 p.m. about one of the semis driving in reverse on the interstate, with the driver apparently having some type of medical emergency. Deputies arrived about six minutes later, and discovered two semis had been involved in an accident near the 175 mile marker, stopping westbound traffic in that area.
Motorists were attempting to assist one of the semi drivers, who deputies found to be unresponsive. He was removed from the cab, and a deputies were able to get the semi out of the traveled portion of the interstate to allow traffic to begin flowing again.
The driver was identified as Wade Point, 46, of Davenport. He was treated at the scene by Newton Fire EMS personnel and taken to a local medical facility for treatment.
Authorities said he is suspected of being under the influence of controlled substances. Sheriff John Halferty said charges are possible, but the investigation is ongoing.
The investigation shows Point was driving and either backed or rolled into the other semi. No other injuries occurred.
Halferty said he thanks the motorists who assisted at the scene, along with Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement officers.
Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com