One airlifted to Sioux Falls, one arrested in one-car accident near Inspiration Hills on Iowa side of Big Sioux near Hudson.

On Monday, March 18 at 3:52 p.m., The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office investigated a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Sioux County Road A54B, 14 miles northwest of Rock Valley, IA.

Sharon Kerschion, age 71, from Hudson, SD, was driving a 2002 Buick Century northbound on A54 when a 38-year-old male passenger, who was experiencing a mental health condition, distracted her by grabbing the steering wheel. Kerschion lost control of the vehicle and entered the west ditch where the vehicle came to rest on railroad tracks.

Kerschion was flown from the accident location to Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD for treatment of serious injuries; the passenger was transported by Canton Ambulance to Sanford Health Sioux Falls for treatment of his mental condition and minor injuries.

Damage to the Buick was estimated at $5,000.

The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Fairview, SD Fire Department, Canton, SD Ambulance, Sanford Air Med, Rock Valley Police Department and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office.

Simultaneously, while investigating the accident, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Hargett, age 57, of Sioux Falls, SD.

Hargett, a friend of the occupant in the Buick driven by Kerschion, had been following the vehicle in a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta and witnessed the accident.

Deputies suspected Hargett was under the influence of a controlled substance as he had bloodshot/watery eyes and impaired balance.

A drug K-9 was requested and after a positive indication from the K-9, a THC vape was discovered in Hargett’s vehicle. Hargett was transported to the Sioux County Jail. At the jail, deputies discovered that Hargett introduced THC vapes and prescription medication he was not prescribed into the jail.

Hargett was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, unlawful possession of prescription drugs, possession of marijuana, and introducing contraband into a controlled facility. The contraband charge is a class D felony, and Hargett could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Drug Recognition Experts from the sheriff’s office and the Rock Valley Police Department K-9 assisted in the investigation.

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