DES MOINES – This Iowa man was reportedly popping wheelies and allegedly under the influence as he accelerated his motorcycle and struck a teen, taking the youth’s life, and now justice is strutting his way.
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 4950 NE 29th Street in Des Moines, Iowa ,for a report of a motorcycle versus pedestrian accident. Deputies arrived within minutes and immediately began lifesaving measures, including CPR, on a male juvenile who had been struck by a motorcycle while crossing the roadway. Fire and rescue personnel arrived shortly after and continued advanced lifesaving efforts. The juvenile was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. He was later identified as 15-year-old Santiago “Santi” Rhone of Des Moines.
The operator of the motorcycle was identified as 23-year-old Kaelin M. Meinders of Albia, Iowa. He was transported to a local hospital and received treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.
According to news reports, Meinders was performing a “wheelie” just before the crash, witnesses had stated.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Investigators and detectives actively investigated the cause of the collision, they said.
Then, on September 24, Polk County Traffic Investigators announced that Meinders was charged the following:
- Driving while barred habitual offender
- No insurance causing an accident
- Reckless driving
Later, on November 26, arrest warrants were issued in connection with this fatal motorcycle crash. The driver of the motorcycle, Kaelin Mikel Meinders (pictured at top), turned himself in at the Polk County Jail and was charged with the following:
- Homicide by Vehicle – Reckless Driving (Class C Felony)
- Operating While Under the Influence 2nd Offense (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
- Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons (Serious Misdemeanor)
He was held in the Polk County Jail awaiting his initial appearance in front of a judge.