x
Breaking News
More () »

Wrong-way driver causes crash on I-235 early Friday morning, police say

Police say one of the drivers was driving the wrong way on the interstate and was under the influence of alcohol.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Two people were injured in a crash on eastbound Interstate 235 Friday morning, Des Moines police said in a press release. 

Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on I-235 near E. 14th Street and University Boulevard at around 5:30 a.m. 

The crash caused major traffic interruptions on I-235 as police temporarily closed the eastbound on-ramp. 

Evidence at the scene indicated 20-year-old Madilyn Van Pelt of Grand Junction entered I-235 from Easton Boulevard, driving the wrong way on the eastbound exit ramp. 

Van Pelt continued to drive the wrong way on I-235, eventually crashing head on into an eastbound car. A third car was struck by debris from the crash. 

Van Pelt and the driver of the second car were transported to local hospitals. Van Pelt was treated and released. The driver of the second car, a 35-year-old man, remains hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. 

Police say evidence indicates Van Pelt was under the influence of alcohol and had a fraudulent ID. She is charged with the following:

  • Serious Injury by Motor Vehicle - OWI
  • Driving Wrong Way on a One Way Roadway
  • Unlawful Use of Driver's License

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.


Local 5 is now on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Download the apps today to stream live newscasts and watch video on demand.

► Follow us on Threads! 

► Download the We Are Iowa app 

► Sign up for Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter 

 Subscribe to Local 5 News on YouTube 

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out