RED OAK, Iowa — The Red Oak Police Department investigated a property damage accident late Saturday night in the 2100 block of Eastern Avenue.
According to the accident report, officers were called to the area at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, after receiving a report of an accident in which the driver had left the scene.
Upon arrival, officers met with the caller, who showed them damage to a steel mailbox and post. The post had been set in concrete and was completely knocked over and pulled from the ground. Several mailboxes were damaged, and officers found numerous vehicle pieces in and around the area.
The investigation indicated a vehicle had been traveling south on Eastern Avenue when, for an unknown reason, it lost control, went over the curb and struck the steel mailbox before leaving the scene.
The vehicle was not located that night. Officers returned to the area the following morning during daylight hours and checked the neighborhood for surveillance video. Video from across the street showed a silver SUV, consistent with the vehicle debris found at the scene, lose control and strike the mailboxes before continuing south on Eastern Avenue.
According to the report, audio from the video indicated the vehicle had sustained significant damage and that one of the tires appeared to be dragging rather than turning normally.
Officers searched the area and located tire marks consistent with a damaged tire. They later found a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox parked at 1804 Summit Street. The damage to the vehicle was consistent with evidence found at the accident scene.
The driver was identified as 39-year-old Adam M. Souza. Police say Souza admitted striking something but said he did not know what he had hit. Souza also told officers the right front tire was not turning.
The Chevrolet Equinox sustained an estimated $5,000 in damage and was not drivable. The vehicle was left in the parking lot.
Souza was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability and driving while his license was denied, suspended or canceled.
No injuries were reported.
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