WEST DES MOINES – An Iowa bicyclist is dead after a collision with an alleged drunk driver.
On Friday, July 1 at approximately 10:02 PM, West Des Moines police were dispatched to the 9600 block of Raccoon River Drive on reports of a vehicle (2002 Pontiac Bonneville) that had struck a bicyclist. Officers arrived along with West Des Moines EMS/Fire and began life saving measures on the bicyclist. The male bicyclist was transported to a local Des Moines hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The deceased has been identified as James Deal, age 57 of Des Moines. The driver of the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville was identified as Brian Kirkman, age 42 of Urbandale.
The West Des Moines Police Department Traffic Unit immediately began a detailed investigation into the incident. During the investigation, it was determined that alcohol was likely a contributing factor in the incident. A short time later, in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 2nd, the West Des Moines Police Department arrested Brian Kirkman on the following charges:
– Homicide by Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence – Class B Felony
– Operating a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence 2nd Offense – Aggravated Misdemeanor
Kirkman was transported to the Dallas County Jail where he remains incarcerated on the charges. Several portions of this case remain under active investigation with the West Des Moines Police Department Traffic Unit.