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Authorities search for Colfax man accused of negligent homicide

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A Des Moines woman died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash over the weekend.According to Johnston police, a motorcycle crash was reported at the intersection of Merle Hay Road and Northwest Beaver Drive just after midnight Saturday. When paramedics arrived, they found 46-year-old Michelle Shawhan of Des Moines with serious injuries.Authorities say the driver of the motorcycle, 44-year-old Todd Phillips of Colfax, fled on foot as paramedics arrived and before police arrived. Phillips was tracked down a short time later with the help of a police dog and arrested on charges of driving under the influence, repeat offense, driving while prohibited and aggravated assault by vehicle.Johnston police said they were notified Monday afternoon that Shawhan had died from her injuries, but that Phillips had been released from jail on bond before her death.The charge of aggravated assault by vehicle has now been changed to involuntary manslaughter, officials say. A charge of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death was added.Phillips is not currently in police custody. An arrest warrant has been issued for the new charges, and Phillips is also wanted for violating probation.Anyone with information on Phillips’ whereabouts is asked to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 515-286-3333 or 911.A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Shawhan’s family with funeral expenses.» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCIASo far this year, 160 people have died on Iowa’s roadways, according to the latest data from the Iowa Department of Transportation. That number is 38 fewer than the same time in 2023. Over the past five years, an average of 350 people have died in crashes statewide each year.

JOHNSTON, Iowa —

A Des Moines woman died as a result of a motorcycle accident she sustained over the weekend.

According to Johnston police, a motorcycle accident was reported at the intersection of Merle Hay Road and Northwest Beaver Drive just after midnight Saturday. When paramedics arrived, they found 46-year-old Michelle Shawhan of Des Moines with serious injuries.

Authorities said the driver of the motorcycle, 44-year-old Todd Phillips of Colfax, fled on foot as emergency responders arrived and before police arrived.

Phillips was tracked down a short time later with the help of a police dog and arrested for drunk driving (relapse), driving while prohibited and causing serious personal injury by driving.

Johnston police said Monday afternoon they received word that Shawhan had succumbed to her injuries, but Phillips had been released from jail on bail before her death.

The charge of aggravated assault by motor vehicle has now been changed to vehicular manslaughter, officials say. Added to that was a charge of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Phillips is not currently in police custody. An arrest warrant has been issued for the new charges and Phillips is also wanted for a probation violation.

Anyone with information on Phillips’ whereabouts is asked to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 515-286-3333 or 911.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Shawhan’s family with funeral expenses.

» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

Get the latest headlines from KCCI

According to the latest Data from the Iowa Department of TransportationSo far this year, 160 people have died on Iowa’s roads. That’s 38 fewer than the same time in 2023. Over the past five years, an average of 350 people have died in accidents nationwide each year.

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