A 19-year-old Osceola woman was arrested after authorities say she drove the wrong way on Highway 92, ignored emergency signals from deputies, and narrowly avoided a head-on collision with another vehicle before finally stopping in Marion County.
According to court documents, the incident happened shortly after midnight on July 17, prompting a response from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after a report of a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction.
Deputies Respond to Wrong-Way Driver Report
Authorities said the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 12:05 a.m. reporting that a vehicle was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 92 near Exit 60.
Deputies quickly responded to the area in an effort to locate the vehicle before it caused a serious crash.
Driver Continued Despite Emergency Lights and Sirens
According to investigators, deputies found the vehicle near Exit 62 and identified the driver as Trinity Lagat Miller, 19, of Osceola.
Court records state that deputies activated their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle. However, authorities allege that Miller continued driving in the wrong direction despite the visible and audible emergency signals.
As the pursuit continued, the vehicle reportedly encountered several oncoming vehicles traveling in the correct direction.
Near Head-On Collision Reported
Investigators said the situation became increasingly dangerous as Miller allegedly continued traveling against traffic.
According to court documents, the vehicle came dangerously close to colliding head-on with another motorist before eventually stopping near 70th Avenue.
No injuries or crashes were reported during the incident, despite the close call.
Authorities Report Alcohol and THC Containers Inside Vehicle
After stopping the vehicle, deputies began their investigation.
Authorities reported seeing alcohol containers and THC containers in plain view inside the vehicle. Based on those observations, deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.
During the search, investigators said they located THC vape pens in the rear portion of the vehicle.
Additional THC Vape Pen Found During Arrest
According to the criminal complaint, after Miller was taken into custody, deputies conducted a search of her person.
During that search, authorities allegedly discovered another THC vape pen that matched those previously recovered from inside the vehicle.
The additional item was collected as part of the investigation.
Criminal Charge Filed
Following the investigation, Miller was charged with:
- First-offense possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), classified as a serious misdemeanor under Iowa law.
Court documents released so far do not indicate any additional traffic-related criminal charges, although the investigation stemmed from the alleged wrong-way driving incident.
Bond Set at $1,000
Authorities said Miller was booked into the Marion County Jail following her arrest.
She is currently being held on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.
According to court records, her preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 24.
Investigation Based on Court Documents
The case remains based on information contained in the criminal complaint and Marion County court documents. Authorities have not released additional details regarding why the driver was traveling in the wrong direction or whether impairment is suspected beyond the evidence reportedly recovered during the investigation.
As with all criminal cases, the allegations against Miller remain accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
