Des Moines Police Department officials identified a mother who was killed in a crash that hospitalized four other people, including her two children, on Saturday night as 47-year-old Maria Elena Rodriguez.
Investigators believe the crash was triggered by the 28-year-old male driver of a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup who was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash. The driver fled the scene at a high rate of speed, crossed into oncoming traffic and hit the van driven by Rodriguez, according to information released Sunday by Des Moines police .
The driver was identified as Rogelio Olivares-Barreto who was charged with multiple offenses including homicide by vehicle, three counts of serious injury by vehicle, leaving the scene of an injury accident and failing to stop within assured clear distance, Parizek said.
Olivares-Barreto remains hospitalized under the custody of the Des Moines Police Department, Parizek said.
The crash happened at about 8:03 p.m. Saturday, the release from Sgt. Paul Parizek said. Patrol officers and Des Moines Fire Department rescue personnel responded to the scene at the intersection of Second and Holcomb avenues, near Birdland Pool.
Rodriguez died at the scene, the initial release said. Fire department medics transported four people with serious injuries ― two adults and two juveniles ― to local hospitals.
It was the city's 11th traffic-related fatality of the year, Parizek said.
Rodriguez's van carried three passengers, a 45-year-old woman, a 10-year-old boy and a 7-year-old boy, who all were injured.
The 10-year-old and 7-year-old boys were Rodriguez's sons, Emiliano and Rafael Elias Rodriguez, Parizek told the Register on Monday morning.
All remained hospitalized as of Monday morning, Parizek said.
The police department's traffic unit is investigating the crash. Police said more information will be shared when it's available.
José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Police identify Des Moines mother killed in crash that also injured 2 sons; charge driver
Most Popular
Comments / 0