On September 21, 2010, at approximately 5:45 PM, Waterloo Police were sent to the Pine Tree Motel, 1519 La Porte Road on a report of a vehicle crashing into the motel.

Upon arrival, officers found a Ford Van had struck the motel. Officers also observed a smell of natural gas and found that a natural gas line at the motel had been ruptured.  The motel was evacuated and Waterloo Fire Rescue and Mid-American Energy personnel responded to deal with the natural gas leak.

The driver of the van was located and placed under arrest. Arrested was Lionel NMN Clark, age 47, of 4711 University Avenue, Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was charged with Operating While Intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Owners Consent and Reckless Driving. He was also charged with Simple Assault for slapping the owner of the van before the accident occurred. Clark was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail where he is being held on $3,600 bond.

The gas leak was repaired and the scene was released at approximately 10:00 PM.

Captain Tim Pillack
Waterloo Police
319-291-4336