The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a one-year old boy from Bellevue, NE, was transported to Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan Monday, following an accident near Avoca. Pott. County Sheriff’s Department investigator, Sgt. Dwayne Riche, told KJAN News the accident happened at around 3:45-p.m., just off the Interstate 80 exit to mile marker 40.

Riche says 31-year old Erica Velasquez, of Bellevue, NE, was driving a 2009 Subaru Impreza, while a 2013 Ford Explorer was being driven by William Michaels, of Forest Lake, MN. Both vehicles had exited the interstate and stopped at the intersection, with the intention to turn right onto Highway 59. The Subaru proceeded into the intersection, but due to confusion with oncoming semi traffic, Velasquez could not continue, and had to stop again. At that time, her car was rear-ended by the SUV.

A passenger in the Subaru, 1-year old Xander Velasquez was transported to Myrtue Hospital by Shelby Rescue, to be checked for injuries. Authorities cited Michaels for following too close. Damage to the vehicles amounted to $4,000.