A Churdan woman was killed yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon after crashing during a high-speed pursuit in Woodbury County. According to the Iowa State Patrol, 40-year-old Melissa Thede of Churdan refused to yield to law enforcement when they attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop at approximately 4:30 p.m. on a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser for speeding within the Sioux City limits. Authorities terminated the pursuit due to the high rate of speed and the erratic manner in which Thede was driving. Police say she continued to flee until she collided with the rear end of a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, operated by 29-year-old Hector Alvarez Collazo of Sioux City. The Thede vehicle then rolled and collided with a 2018 Ford Edge driven by 36-year-old Traci Kellen of Sioux City. Thede was transported to Mercy One Hospital by Sioux City Fire and EMS but died due to the injuries sustained in the crash. Collazo sustained minor injuries. Kellen was unhurt in the crash.
