DES MOINES, Iowa — A man faces multiple charges in connection to the city's 11th fatality crash of the year, Des Moines police said in a press release.
28-year-old Rogelio Olivares-Barreto faces the following charges:
- Homicide By Vehicle - OWI
- Homicide by Vehicle - Reckless Driving
- Serious Injury by Vehicle - OWI (Three counts)
- Serious Injury By Vehicle (Three counts)
- No Drivers License
- No Insurance
In addition, Olivares-Barreto faces four separate charges in connection to a hit-and-run that occurred just before the fatal crash.
Police responded to a crash with injuries at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Holcomb Avenue at around 8 p.m. on June 20.
When they arrived, police found 47-year-old Maria Elena Rodriguez dead at the scene. Four people were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries, including Olivares-Barreto and three passengers in Rodriguez's car: a 45-year-old woman, and two boys, ages 7 and 10.
All injured persons remain hospitalized as of Tuesday morning.
Evidence indicates Olivares-Barreto was driving a pick-up truck south on 2nd Avenue. Witnesses told police the truck was involved in a hit-and-run incident near 2nd Avenue and Corning Avenue. Olivares-Barreto was fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed when he veered into oncoming traffic in the opposite lane, colliding with a mini van.
Rodriguez was driving the mini van at the time of the crash.
2nd Avenue was closed across all lanes from Hull Avenue to Franklin Avenue. This closure took roughly three hours, Des Moines police said.
Officers on scene requested Des Moines Fire Department for extrication and removal of victims.
The crash remains under investigation.
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