Car strikes two motorcycles, injures three from Devils Lake

Three Devils Lake residents riding motorcycles were taken to Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake with severe injuries after the bikes were struck by the same driver Wednesday night on Highway 57 two miles north of Fort Totten, N.D., the North Dakota Highway Patrol said.

A 2000 Oldsmobile driven by Faith Mitzel, 92, Oberon, N.D., crossed the center line at about 9:35 p.m. and struck James Hunter, 33, on a 1980 Harley-Davidson, the patrol said in a news release.

Mitzel's vehicle continued south and struck a 2006 Harley-Davidson, sending it into the east ditch and injuring the motorcycle's driver, James Leidholt, 37, and his passenger, Sheri Leidholt, 30.

Mercy Hospital would not release medical information, but NDHP Sgt. Dan

Haugen said this morning that all three were transferred to other hospitals.

Mitzel was wearing a seat belt and her airbag deployed. She had no apparent injury but also was transported to Mercy Hospital, according to the Highway Patrol.

The Highway Patrol said charges are pending against Mitzel and the crash is under investigation.

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