(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, today (Wednesday), said a man who was injured in a Sept. 20, 2025 crash involving his motorcycle and a pedestrian, was arrested this morning after he turned himself-in on charges associated with the accident that include Felony Homicide by Vehicle – Reckless Driving, a Class C Felony. 23-year-old Kaelin M. Meinders, of Albia, was also charged with Operating While Under the Influence 2nd Offense (Aggravated Misdemeanor) and Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons (Serious Misdemeanor). He is currently in the Polk County Jail awaiting his initial appearance.

(Polk County Sheriff’s Office booking photo of Kaelin M. Meinders)

Authorities say at around 11-p.m. on September 20th, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 4950 NE 29th Street in Des Moines for a report of a motorcycle versus pedestrian accident. Deputies arrived within minutes and immediately began lifesaving measures, including CPR, on a male juvenile who had been struck by a motorcycle while crossing the roadway. Fire and Rescue personnel arrived shortly after and continued advanced lifesaving efforts. The juvenile was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. 15-year-old Santiago Rhone was a Sophomore at East High School in Des Moines.

Meinders was transported to a local hospital were he was treated for his injuries.