On Friday, July 1st at approximately 10:02pm, West Des Moines Police were dispatched to the 9600 block of Raccoon River Drive on reports of a vehicle (2002 Pontiac Bonneville) that had struck a bicyclist. Officers arrived along with West Des Moines EMS/Fire and began life saving measures on the bicyclist. The male bicyclist was transported to a local Des Moines hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The deceased has been identified as James Deal, 57 of Des Moines. The driver of the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville was identified as Brian Kirkman, 42 of Urbandale.
The West Des Moines Police Department Traffic Unit immediately began a detailed investigation into the incident. During the investigation, it was determined that alcohol was likely a contributing factor in the incident. A short time later, in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 2nd, the West Des Moines Police Department arrested the operator of the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville, Brian Kirkman, 42 of Urbandale for the following charges:
Homicide by Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence – Class B Felony
Operating a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence 2nd Offense – Aggravated Misdemeanor
Kirkman was transported to the Dallas County Jail where he remains incarcerated on the charges. Several portions of this case remain under active investigation with the West Des Moines Police Department Traffic Unit.
Sergeant Jason Heintz
West Des Moines Police Department Public Information Officer
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Original source can be found here.
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