Hughes County, SD — A northwest Iowa man was in a South Dakota court after authorities say drugs were found following a fatal vehicle vs pedestrian crash.
Court documents show 28-year-old Taylor Hanson, of Rock Valley, is facing these charges:
- One count of possession with intent to distribute, a Class 4 felony
- Two counts of unauthorized possession of a controlled drug or substance, a Class 5 felony
- One count of ingesting a substance other than alcohol for the purpose of becoming intoxicated, a Class 1 misdemeanor
- One count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor
These charges stem from a crash reported on September 28th (2025). In their preliminary report, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety says Hanson was driving a minivan in Hughes County, South Dakota, when he struck a pedestrian on Highway 34.
The pedestrian died at the scene. She was identified as 23-year-old Elvera Joan Driving Hawk, of Kennebec, South Dakota.
According to court documents, members of the South Dakota Highway Patrol were called to the crash and spoke with Hanson. Authorities say they got Hanson’s consent to search the minivan and found several containers with drugs.
Court documents state there were several baggies of cocaine and two capsules containing methamphetamine. Hanson also took a field drug test, and authorities say he tested positive for cocaine. A drug recognition evaluation was also done, and Hanson was reportedly not impaired.
Hanson was arrested shortly after the crash and charged, being booked on $5,000 bond. He was in court on Tuesday, October 5th, where he pleaded not guilty to his five charges. He is expected back in court on Tuesday, October 28th, for a motions hearing.
If Hanson is convicted on all five counts, he could face a maximum sentence of 21 years and 30 days in prison.
Story from news partner KTIV-TV in Sioux City
KIWA Staff Stock Photo
