DES MOINES, Iowa - The pedestrian killed in a hit and run crash in Des Moines Sunday morning has been identified as 38 year old Des Moines resident Lauren Rice.
Her dog Holiday also died in the crash.
Jason Sassman is charged with first degree murder for intentionally hitting a Rice and her dog in the 17-hundred block of Beaver Avenue, killing her and the dog.
They say he was was driving a pickup truck at a high speed when the truck left the street, struck and severed a utility pole and then plowed into the Rice and her dog, who were walking on a sidewalk.
Officers say Sassman fled until the truck became disabled at Beaver Avenue and Hickman Road, and then left on foot.
He was taken into custody by Des Moines Police near Beaver Avenue and Urbandale Avenue.. An investigation shows excessive speed and the intentional act of striking the victim appear to be the major contributing factors. Impairment has not been ruled out.
Rice was a English professor at Des Moines Area Community College, and coordinated DMACC's London Study Abroad program.
Statement from Rob Denson, DMACC President
“We are incredibly saddened by the tragic and senseless loss of Professor Lauren Rice, who was a beloved member of our DMACC community and who impacted the lives of many DMACC students throughout the years. I knew Lauren best for her service as a DMACC Group Leader for English, and I always enjoyed her participation because you always knew when Lauren was in the room. She was very smart, and fought for her students and quality instruction. Those meetings will not be the same. On behalf of the entire DMACC family, I extend our deep condolences to Lauren’s family, friends, students, colleagues and all who knew her. We are mourning with you.”
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