Driver transporting Opportunity Village clients refuses to stop, puts car in Winnebago River

    A man transporting three Opportunity Village clients in his vehicle has been charged with a list of offenses after he refused to stop during a routine traffic stop and ultimately lost control of his vehicle and drove it into the Winnebago River.
    The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office reported Michael Goodale, 26, of Mason City, was charged with speeding, operation without registration, failure to maintain control, failure to prove security against liability, driving while suspended, eluding a police officer and neglect on dependent persons.
    According to Sheriff’s Deputy Tami Cavett, Goodale refused to stop during a routine traffic stop at the intersection of 290th Street and Thrush Avenue at approximately 9:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6.  Goodale continued westbound on 290th Street at a high rate of speed.
    Due to road conditions and the excessive speed of the vehicle, the deputy lost contact with Goodale’s vehicle for a short time. Approximately 15 minutes later, a call came into the department from a residence in the area of 290th Street and Poplar Avenue stating a vehicle had gone into the Winnebago River.  
    Passengers in the vehicle were Chad Rugland, 29; Brian Baker, 40; and Frank Boyle, 41.
    Upon the arrival of deputies, Boyle was still trapped in the vehicle, which had come to rest on its top in the river.  He was freed by deputies.
    All four persons were treated and released at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.
    According to the Sheriff’s Department, Goodale was employed by Opportunity Village as a personal assistant.  
    Opportunity Village Executive Director John Severtson said in the days following the incident he and staff members have been reviewing information and have determined that procedures in place concerning hiring and operations were followed.
    “We have extensive processes in place and we needed to be certain that we followed our own procedures.  And we did,” said Severtson.  He declined to comment on the length of Goodale’s employment; however, he said the transportation of the Village clients was unusual in this case.
    “With or without this instance, we constantly look at what we do and see if there are ways to do things better.    I am very confident with all the things our staff members did with respect to this.  Our supervisory staff at all levels did what we asked them to do and what was expected.”
    Severtson noted Opportunity Village’s safety record with respect to vehicular transportation has been extremely good and losses have been low.  
    The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mason City Fire Rescue, Mason City Fire Medic and Iowa State Patrol at the scene.