MASON CITY – A pedestrian hit this week by an alleged drunk driver at Mills Fleet Farm in Mason City has died, police say, and additional charges are pending.
On June 8, 2021, MCPD responded a report of a pedestrian/vehicle crash at Fleet Farm, 3200 4th Street SW, at 2:45 p.m. Christopher Rathfon, age 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was taken into custody for Operating While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Serious Injury by Vehicle.
The pedestrian, Dawn Merrick, age 62, of Mason City, was transported by Mason City Fire Department paramedics to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. She remained in critical condition at the hospital until June 10, 2021, when she died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
Rathfon made bail and was allowed by a judge to be set free until an upcoming court date.
Additional charges are pending in this case and the matter has been referred to the Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The incident remains under investigation at this time and anyone with further information is asked to contact the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3636.
…with today’s court system, I’m thinking he will get probation!!!
Who was the judge that let this killer out on bail?
There are kids and blind people out there. It is a drivers responsibility to be safe and cautious behind the wheel of the vehicle. Mills Fleet Farm did not cause this tragedy. Mr. Rathfon did by his egregious and selfish actions.
What a tragedy. Well blame Mills Fleet Farm or not when the deceased Dawn Merrick’s family files their lawsuit, you can be sure MFF will be at the center of it. I’m a regular shopper at MFF. Just drive out there some time and watch the traffic flow in front of the store. The drive-by lane is so close to the customers’ walkway that it puts foot traffic at peril. If you’re not looking both ways when you enter/leave the store, you’re asking for it.
Damn shame. A good lady killed by this drunken P.O.S. Miills is at fault as well, no warning sings or stop signs to protect their customer.
Sing huh, gonna blame the store? You’re the type of person who would hit yourself in the privates with hammer, then blame the tool company for not saying you shouldn’t hit yourself in the dick with a hammer.