DES MOINES – An Iowa man fleeing a crash struck a van in downtown Des Moines, killing a mother and sending two boys to the hospital.
The Des Moines Police Department Traffic Unit investigated the city’s eleventh traffic-related fatality of the year. On July 20, 2024, at approximately 8:03 PM, Des Moines Police Department patrol officers and Des Moines Fire Department rescue personnel responded to a crash with injuries at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Holcomb Avenue.
Des Moines Fire Department medics have transported four persons (two adults and two juveniles) with serious injuries to local hospitals. Downtown Des Moines roads were closed while the investigation was underway.
Later, police identified the person killed in this crash as 47-year-old Des Moines resident Maria Elena Rodriguez. The persons injured are a 45-year-old female, a 10-year-old male, a 7-year-old male, and a 28-year old-male. All remain hospitalized in conditions ranging from serious to critical.
Police say the preliminary investigation, including witnesses statements and examination of evidence at the
scene, indicates that a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, operated by the 28-year-old male, was driving southbound on 2nd Avenue. Witnesses report that the Silverado was involved in a hit-and-run crash at 2nd Avenue and Corning Avenue, fleeing southbound at a high-rate of speed. The Silverado crossed over into oncoming traffic as it fled, and crashed into a northbound 2005 Toyota Sienna van. The driver of the van was killed in the crash. The three passengers were injured and transported to local hospitals.
All injured persons remain hospitalized.
The Des Moines Police Department Traffic Unit continues the technical investigation of this crash. The identity of the offending driver is Rogelio Olivares-Barreto, and he is facing charges of vehicular homicide by OWI, reckless driving and multiple counts of serious injury by vehicle. He is still hospitalized.