March 28, 2024

Iowa State Patrol

Thomas Lee Helms, 30, of Des Moines was cited for failure to maintain control and failure to comply with safety-regulation rules after an accident 6:20 a.m. May 7 on Interstate 35 near mile-marker 41.

According to an Iowa State Patrol report, Helms, driving a 2003 International semitrailer north on Interstate 35, fell asleep and the vehicle entered the east ditch. Helms woke up and hit the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal. The vehicle struck a culvert and tree before coming to a stop.

Helms, who was wearing a seat belt and uninjured, couldn't find a log book and admitted he was past the 10-hour rule.

Damage to the vehicle owned by Gary's Trucking of Prole is $18,000.