Accident: Teen driver cited, lies to police after car goes airborne and hits tree

No injuries were reported Saturday when a car struck a tree in Creston.

According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 3:25 p.m. a 2007 Buick Lucerne, driven by Carlos T. Page, 16, of Creston, was northbound on Wyoming Avenue when the Buick left the roadway and struck a tree.

Page told officers he lost control of the steering and subsequently of the vehicle, causing him to hit the tree. He stated he was traveling at about 30 mph in the 25 mph zone.

Later, a neighbor near the accident scene contacted police and provided video footage of the incident. The footage showed the Buick traveling at an extremely high rate of speed. When the Buick crossed the intersection, it went airborne, causing Page to lose control of the car. The Buick then skidded sideways before going over the curb into the yard where it hit the tree.

Page was cited for reckless driving, failure to maintain control and no proof of insurance - accident.

The video also showed a Ford Mustang behind the Lucerne that appeared to be attempting to keep up with it. Page told officers it was driven by a friend of his and provided his name and information. The driver was also cited for reckless driving.

Damage to the Buick was estimated at $4,000.

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No citations were issued Friday in a three-vehicle accident in Creston.

According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 1:17 p.m. a 2017 Ford Escape, driven by Penny L. Ripperger, 72, of Thayer, was westbound on Taylor Street when the Escape began to make a left turn to go south on Sumner Avenue. At the same time, a 2003 Ford Taurus, driven by Briget G. Carroll, 39, of Afton, was eastbound on Taylor Street going through the intersection.

The Escape failed to yield the right-of-way to traffic and turned into the Taurus. Carroll attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to the south but was hit by the Escape. The impact caused the Taurus to hit a 2005 Ford F350, driven by Vern H. Liesner, 55, of Creston, that was stopped at the light traveling northbound on Sumner Avenue.

Ripperger told officers she turned because she didn’t see the Taurus and thought the path was clear.

Carroll complained of pain but was not transported by EMS.

Damage to the Escape was estimated at $1,000, damage to the Taurus was estimated at $2,000 and damage to the F350 was estimated at $3,000.