Cedar Falls Car Accident Forces Evacuation

Some Cedar Falls residents were evacuated from their apartment building after a man accused of drunken driving caused a natural gas line to rupture on Wednesday (July 1, 2015).

Police and firefighters responded to the accident at 901 Maplewood Drive shortly after 12:30 p.m.

Authorities allege that Robert Douglas Short, 23, who lives in Apt. 12, struck the side of the building with the vehicle he was driving. Police said the mishap ruptured a gas line.

The apartment building and surrounding area were evacuated until crews from Cedar Falls Utilities were able to shut off the gas flow. No injuries were reported.

Police later found Short nearby, in the area of College Square Mall. Officers arrested him on charges of operating while intoxicated (OWI) and driving with a revoked license.