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Victim identified in pursuit ending in deadly crash in Des Moines Thursday night

The Des Moines Police Department says Kieran Stirling died after a suspect crashed into his car during a police chase.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines officers have identified the man who died after a woman led police on a short pursuit that ended with her crashing into his car. 

Police said Kieran Stirling, 53, of Des Moines died in the collision near Hubbell Avenue and Guthrie Avenue Thursday night. 

A release from DMPD says the incident started when a traffic officer pulled over 35-year-old Ashley Hennings for a registration violation of expired plates near the intersection of Hubbell Ave. and Searle Street. 

The officer learned Hennings had "multiple warrants for her arrest," so they attempted to take her into custody. As the officer made his attempt at approximately 6:45 p.m., Hennings drove off.

Hennings fled northbound on Hubbell Ave. "at a high rate of speed for approximately one mile," according to police. She later drove northbound in the southbound lanes of Hubbell Ave. as she approached Guthrie Ave.

As Hennings arrived at Guthrie Avenue, she crashed into a vehicle beginning to turn to eastbound Guthrie Avenue. The driver of the vehicle in the intersection was a 53-year-old man. He was critically injured and rushed to a local hospital by the Des Moines Fire Department, according to police.

The man later died from his injuries  

Hennings fled the scene on foot from the crash but was apprehended "without incident" a short distance away. 

DMPD said Hennings was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and soon will be booked into the Polk County Jail.

Hennings faces a slew of charges including: reckless driving causing death, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, eluding, traffic violations, registration violation, operating a vehicle without insurance and her active warrants.

Officers observed indicators of impairment when speaking with Hennings. Charges related to operating while impaired are pending toxicology analysis

The DMPD Traffic Unit is investigating the crash.

Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest. 

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