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Des Moines police arrest man for 'drag racing', causing motorcyclist's death in April

It was Des Moines' fourth traffic-related death this year, and the third involving a motorcycle.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police have arrested a 33-year-old man for an early April crash that led to a motorcyclist's death.

According to police, witness statements and video recordings allege 33-year-old Ryan Leroy Gile was drag racing with 41-year-old motorcyclist Mitchell Ohland at speeds of up to 70 mph. 

The crash E. 16th Street and E. University Avenue around 2:10 p.m. on Sunday, April 7.

When they arrived to the scene, first responders found Ohland with "critical injuries". Medics transported him to a local hospital, where he later died. Ohland was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. 

Gile is charged with:

  • Homicide By Vehicle — Drag Racing (Class D Felony)
  • Homicide By Vehicle — Reckless Driving (Class C Felony)
  • Driving While License Under Suspension (Simple Misdemeanor)
  • Operating a Non-Registered Vehicle (Simple Misdemeanor)
  • Failure To Provide Proof Of Financial Liability (Simple Misdemeanor) 

He is currently being held at the Polk County Jail. 

Police originally believed a 61-year-old woman driving west on E. University Avenue was the cause of the crash.

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.

 

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