DES MOINES – An Iowa man operating a tow truck was struck and killed as he exited his vehicle to assist a crash scene and an allegedly drunk semi truck driver is accused of serious crimes as a result.
The Iowa State Patrol and Urbandale Police Department are investigating a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a Tow Truck Operator.
Just after 10:00 PM, on November 12, 2023, an Urbandale Police Officer was assisting with a crash on I-80 WB at mile marker 130. The patrol vehicle was parked on the outside shoulder with its emergency lights and left directional lights activated. An Iowa Department of Transportation Highway Helper, located behind the patrol vehicle, was also signaling traffic to move left – away from the outside lane. A semi-truck and trailer, (driven by Dmytro Prysich), did not move over or slow down and struck the tow truck operator (Joshua Villa) as he was getting out of his tow vehicle. The tow truck operator (Joshua Villa) died as a result of the crash.
A GO FUND ME fundraiser was set to assist the family of Mr. Villa in the wake of this incident.
Dmytro Prysich has been booked into the Polk County Jail. He has been charged with:
● UNSAFE APPROACH FAIL TO SLOW DOWN UPON APPROACH TO STATIONARY VEH W/4 WAY HAZARDS ACTIVATED – DEATH
● LEAVE SCENE OF DEATH ACCIDENT
● VEH. HOMICIDE/OWI
This investigation is ongoing, and a minimum crash report can be found at ISP Crash Reports.
