(Creston, Iowa) –  A garbage truck collided with an SUV Monday afternoon in Creston, in what authorities said was similar to an (accidental) PIT-style (Pursuit Immobilization Technique) maneuver, that is used by law enforcement. The accident happened on westbound Highway 34 at around 12:30-p.m., Monday, as the 2026 International garbage truck driven by 72-year-old Thomas L. Christensen, of Lenox, merged from the inside to outside lane of the highway. Christensen was not aware a 2004 Jeep Liberty driven by 64-year-old Tami Jo Flowers, of Creston, was in the lane next to him because it was in his blind spot.

When the garbage truck merged into her lane, its right front bumper struck the left rear side of the SUV, causing the Jeep to spin into the path of the garbage truck. Both vehicles came a stop before pulling into the Creston Dollar General parking lot. No injuries were reported. Damage from the collision amounted to $4,500. There were no citations issued.

(Image: Creston PD accident graphic)