West Union Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide Following Crash While Eluding Law Enforcement
A northeast Iowa man has been charged with vehicular homicide following a crash while trying to elude law enforcement in which an 18-year-old passenger was killed last fall.
The Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that 38-year-old Curtis Williams of West Union faces multiple charges, including homicide by vehicle while operating under the influence, a Class B felony, in connection with incidents that began shortly after 1 am on September 26, 2022,
A Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop of Williams’ vehicle on U.S. Highway 63 in Chickasaw County, but he refused to stop and a pursuit followed with speeds in excess of 105 mph. During the chase, Williams failed to navigate a curve at the north bound 196-mile marker exit and lost control causing the vehicle to roll into the ditch.
18-year-old Jaxon Williams of Decorah was a passenger in the front seat and was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries suffered in the wreck. Curtis Williams was transported by ambulance to Mercy One Medical Center in New Hampton for his injuries.
Charges against Williams were filed after a lengthy investigation conducted by the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol Traffic Investigator, Iowa DCI Crime Lab, the State Medical Examiner and the Chickasaw County Attorney’s Office. In addition vehicular homicide, charges include eluding-while operating under the influence, a Class D felony; plus driving while license revoked, reckless driving, operating a non-registered vehicle, improper rear lamps, failure to maintain control, and speeding 21 mph or over in a 55 mph zone.
Williams was served warrants while in custody in the Fayette County Jail in West Union and made his initial appearance in Chickasaw County District Court in New Hampton on January 4th. He was being held on a $32,000 cash only bond.
Additional agencies assisting in the investigation include the New Hampton Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, New Hampton Fire Department, Fredericksburg Fire Department, Chickasaw County Rescue Squad, Chickasaw Ambulance Service, Chickasaw County Medical Examiner, Chickasaw County EMA, Hugeback/Johnson Funeral Home and S & T Collision and Towing.
