Rock Valley, Iowa — One person is hospitalized and a second is charged with Attempted Murder and Serious Injury by Vehicle after an incident early Sunday in Rock Valley.
According to the Rock Valley Police Department, shortly after 2:00 am Sunday, officers were dispatched to a vehicle vs pedestrian crash in the 1300 block of Main Street. Witnesses reportedly told officers a vehicle struck the pedestrian and drove completely over the pedestrian. The vehicle then reportedly fled the scene heading west bound on 14th St. Officers rendered aid to the pedestrian until Rock Valley EMS and Rock Valley Fire Department arrived on scene and transported the victim to the Hegg Memorial Hospital with life threatening injuries.
Authorities say further investigation by officers revealed that the driver of the vehicle and the pedestrian had gotten into a verbal argument. The argument continued into the street when the pedestrian confronted the driver on the side of the road. The driver initially backed his vehicle away from the pedestrian and then allegedly drove forward, towards the pedestrian, striking him with the front tires causing him to go under the vehicle. Police say the driver continued dragging the pedestrian under the car until the pedestrian was run over by the rear wheels. The driver of the vehicle then fled the area after the collision.
According to authorities, further investigation led Rock Valley Police to a Rock Valley apartment, where the driver, who police identify as 39-year-old Jaime Martinez Montiel, was located hiding inside a closet.
Martinez Montiel was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder, a class B felony, and Serious Injury by Vehicle a class D felony.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.
The Rock Valley Police Department was assisted by the Sioux County Sheriff Office, Iowa State Patrol, Rock Valley Ambulance, and the Rock Valley Fire Department.
