DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa State Patrol has identified the teenage passenger who died in a crash in downtown Des Moines early Wednesday morning.
The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Chad Nicholson of Des Moines. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
A state trooper attempted to stop a speeding Hyundai on Interstate 235 near Keo Way around 1 a.m. Wednesday, the agency said. The driver of the Hyundai, another 16-year-old male, did not stop but instead exited the interstate at 31st Street and eventually turned east onto Grand Avenue.
The trooper slowed down as the Hyundai sped away, driving on the wrong side of the road down Grand. Later, the trooper discovered the fleeing car had crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 7th Street.
Des Moines police and fire personnel assisted Iowa State Patrol in crash response. Police say both cars at the scene left the road, coming to a stop on the south side of Grand Avenue. One vehicle hit and damaged the Ruan Center.
Five people were in the Hyundai at the time of the crash. Nicholson was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and three occupants suffered injuries "ranging from minor to severe," according to Iowa State Patrol. Three of those injured were under the age of 18 and none of them were wearing seat belts.
"This morning, obviously it's a very tragic situation. Anytime anybody loses their life in a car crash, it's a very tragic event. And this morning, was just that," Sgt. Alex Dinkla with Iowa State patrol said Wednesday.
Iowa State Patrol said the driver had warrants out for his arrest at the time of the crash.
A second crash took place shortly before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday near the previous wreck. This crash was much more minor and has no confirmed injuries.