Clear Lake driver accused of intentionally hitting bicyclist

On Nov. 10, Clear Lake police arrested Nicholas Dustin Horst, 36, of Clear Lake, on charges of Willful Injury, a Class C Felony, and Serious Injury by Vehicle, a Class D Felony.

  Horst was the driver of a 2016 Hyundai Veloster that struck a bicyclist in the 2200 block of Main Avenue on Sept. 27, 2016.  Horst is alleged to have driven his car under the influence of drugs, intentionally striking the bicyclist causing serious injury.

At around 2:18 p.m. Sept. 27 Clear Lake Police and Fire Departments responded to the 2100 block of Main Avenue for a car vs. bike crash. The bicyclist was identified as 47-year-old Gary Beach, of Clear Lake. The CLFD transported Beach to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa with serious injuries.

The relationship between the two parties is unconfirmed at the time of this release, according to Police Chief Pete Roth.

  The Iowa State Patrol assisted the Clear Lake Police Department in the investigation.

  Roth notes a criminal charge is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.