DES MOINES – An out of control driver leaped a curb, struck a tree and killed a pedestrian on Sunday in Iowa’s capitol city.
The Des Moines Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating the city’s eighth traffic – related fatality crash of 2024, and the second involving a pedestrian. At approximately 11:39 AM on Saturday, June 2, Des Moines Police Department patrol officers and Des Moines Fire Department rescue personnel responded to the 5400 block of SE 5th Street to investigate a report of a traffic crash with injury.
First responders arrived to find a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado that had left the roadway and struck a tree and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was deceased at the scene. SE 5th Street was temporarily closed between SE Porter Avenue and SE Kenyon Avenue.
Des Moines police made an arrest in this investigation. 23-year-old Des Moines resident Andi Gael Cardenas (pictured at top) has been charged with the following offenses:
• Homicide By Vehicle – OWI (Class B Felony)
• Leaving The Scene Of An Accident
• Multiple simple misdemeanor traffic offenses
Evidence in this investigation indicates that prior to the crash in the 5400 block of SE 5th Street, Cardenas was involved in a hit and run, property damage only, crash in the 1000 block of SE Army Post Road. Cardenas did not stop and continued driving, turning onto northbound SE 5th Street.
Cardenas continued northbound, running the red light at SE 5th Street and Porter Avenue, striking a vehicle that had the right of way.
Following the second crash, Cardenas lost control of his vehicle, leaving the roadway to the east as he continued northbound. Cardenas collided with multiple objects, including two trees, before striking a 51-year-old male Des Moines resident who was walking southbound on the sidewalk.
Cardenas was transported by Des Moines Fire Department medics to Unitypoint-Methodist Medical Center where he was examined and cleared for jail.
No other persons were injured in these crashes.
The name of the person killed will be shared following the completion of family notifications.
The apparent significant contributing factors to this crash include reckless driving and excessive speed. Investigators are awaiting lab results to determine if impairment was also a contributing factor.
UPDATE: The person killed in this incident has been identified as 51-year-old Des Moines resident Jose Manuel Clark.
Lab results, following a search warrant served during the ini7al crash investigation, indicate that Cardenas blood alcohol content was greater than two times the legal limit of .08.