On July 18th, at approximately 8:30pm, Madison County Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Highway 81 and 846 Rd., on the County Line between Madison and Pierce, for a two-vehicle accident with injuries. Norfolk Fire and Rescue personnel arrived before Deputies.

Madison County Deputies arrived on scene and spoke with witnesses who advised that a red Ford F150 was crossing Highway 81 westbound at 846 rd. when it failed to stop at the stop sign. This vehicle was then struck broadside by a gray Ford F150 that was traveling southbound. The red Ford then flipped on its top in the ditch southwest of the intersection.

The driver of the gray Ford was a 17 year old male out of Pierce. The 17 year old male admitted to Law Enforcement that he had been using alcohol before the accident, and also later admitted that he was not using his seat belt. The 17 year old male was tested and it was found that he had a Blood Alcohol Content above the legal limit of .080 for driving as an adult. That juvenile was transported to Faith Regional for suspected minor injuries and later released.

The driver of the red Ford trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by Fire and Rescue Personnel. The driver of this vehicle was identified as Brent Arens of Norfolk. Arens was flown by Life Net prior to law enforcement arrival. Evidence on the scene and statements by rescue personnel on scene indicate Arens was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Arens’ condition was stable but no further details are known at the time of this release.

Both vehicles are considered a total loss and alcohol is considered a major factor in this accident.

The investigation of this accident is still ongoing.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Nebraska State Patrol, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, Hadar Fire and Rescue, Pierce Fire and Rescue, as well as Norfolk Police Dispatch.