Drugs found in crashed car

Drugs and paraphernalia were found in a crashed vehicle on Fourth Avenue in Mitchell on Thursday, according to authorities.

Mitchell Police Officer Kelly Loudenberg said a Nissan Pathfinder was found vacant when authorities arrived on scene, and Loudenberg found marijuana and a pipe during a plain-view search of the vehicle.

Zachary Vawser, 21, of Mount Vernon, has been identified as the driver, Loudenberg said.

As of Thursday evening, Vawser was being treated at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital for severe lacerations around his chin and lip area and injuries to his head. An initial investigation indicated the driver was not using a seat belt and appeared to hit the windshield with his head.

Mitchell Police Officer Dan Kopfmann said the driver made a right turn from Sanborn Boulevard onto Fourth Avenue and struck a utility box and street sign. After turning the wrong direction onto the one-way street, the driver struck a tree.

Loudenberg said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing and charges are pending.

1/2: A Nissan Pathfinder after crashing into a tree on Fourth Avenue Thursday afternoon in Mitchell. (Evan Hendershot/Republic)

2/2: A Nissan Pathfinder after crashing into a tree on Fourth Avenue in Mitchell on Thursday afternoon. (Evan Hendershot/Republic)