Orange City, Iowa — An Alvord man faces two felony counts after the investigation of a July traffic crash that left one person dead.
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office arrested 21-year-old Kaleb DeBey on Friday.
They tell us the crash occurred July 30th, 2023, when DeBey, driving westbound on 300th Street, allegedly failed to negotiate a curve near Fillmore Avenue, about three-quarters of a mile northeast of Rock Valley. They say he lost control of the vehicle, which entered a ditch, striking a culvert and becoming airborne. His passenger, 35-year-old Halee Bliek of Rock Valley was ejected from the car and became trapped under it. Both Bliek and DeBey were taken to the hospital where Bliek was pronounced dead.
The arrest stemmed from a joint investigation between the Iowa State Patrol and the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed that DeBey operated the vehicle in a reckless manner and under the influence, causing the death of the passenger in the vehicle.
DeBey is charged with Homicide by Vehicle: Operating while Intoxicated, a class B felony, and Homicide by Vehicle: Reckless Driving, a class C felony. If convicted of a class B felony, DeBey could face up to 25 years in prison. If convicted of a class C felony, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
At last report, DeBey remained in the Sioux County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
