Attempted murder suspect caught after crash

HARTINGTON — A man being sought on attempted murder charges was apprehended after a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 81-84 early Tuesday evening.

Kevin Haug was driving a U-Haul truck when it collided with a semi truck at the intersection. The accident appears to be the result of a police chase with Haug.

Police scanner traffic indicated Haug was apprehended after a pursuit from Yankton into Cedar County  on Highway 81. The suspect crashed into a semi while while attempting to elude law enforcement near the intersection, which is located nine miles west of Hartington. Radio traffic indicated he may have also hit law enforcement vehicles in the course of the pursuit.

Haug, 44, had been sought by law enforcement after a stabbing incident Tuesday morning in Fordyce.

According to an affidavit filed at the Cedar County Courthouse, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office received a report at 6:51 a.m. Tuesday from Fordyce that Haug allegedly attacked James Olson with what appeared to be a machete and then left the scene.

Sheriff's Dept. reports indicate Rhea Haug called 911 and told dispatchers her estranged husband had stabbed Olson at her home at 106 Fourth Street in Fordyce. 

She reported Olson was bleeding severely from his hip, head and stomach area.

Haug then left the scene in a white 2007 Chevrolet Suburban.

Investigators at the scene said they saw blood on the sidewalk leading from the house. Signs of forced entrance into the house were also evident. Two knives — one a 10-inch corn knife — were also recovered at the scene.

Olson was taken by ambulance to Avera Sacred Heart Hospital where he was treated for stab wounds to his forehead, hand and abdomen. Law enforcement reports indicate he underwent surgery for a deep laceration to his upper abdomen.

Cedar County Attorney Edward H. Matney said Haug is accused of a Count I, Felony Attempted Murder in the First Degree; Count II, Assault in the First Degree; Count III, Burglary; Count IV, Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony; and Count V, Possession of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony. Counts I, II and IV are Class II Felonies, which carry maximum possible penalties of 50 years imprisonment per count. Count III is a Class IIA Felony, which carries a maximum possible penalty of 20 years imprisonment. Count V is a Class III Felony, which carries a maximum possible penalty of four years imprisonment and two years post-release supervision, or $25,000 fine or both.

Fordyce area residents Tuesday morning said they knew of the incident and were nervous that Haug may not have left the area.

102 W. Main Hartington NE 68739 402-254-3997