Monroe man charged in fatal crash

A Monroe man is charged with vehicular homicide and third-offense OWI following a fatal crash Sunday north of Knoxville.

Michael L. Liggett, 32, was northbound on Highway 14 just after 7 p.m. when he failed to yield to a motorcycle driven by Clayton B. Harsin, 20. Liggett struck the motorcycle from behind at the intersection of Highway 14 and Highway G44, according to Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt. Harsin, of Knoxville, sustained fatal injuries from the crash.

Liggett left the scene before authorities arrived so a search for the suspect began immediately, Sandholdt said. Following a tip from a concerned citizen, Liggett was arrested at 608 S. Commerce St. in Monroe.

Liggett made an initial court appearance Monday and a cash-only bond was set for $160,000. The accident remains under investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol.

Sandholdt said the crash required fans attending the Knoxville race track to find alternate routes leaving the races Sunday night.

“I know this was an inconvenience to some people but this allowed first responders and law enforcement officers to do their job without worrying about traffic or other distractions,” Sandholdt said. “Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Contact Editor Abigail Pelzer at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6530 or apelzer@newtondailynews.com.