March 18, 2024

Newton man arrested for vehicular homicide

Alcohol factor in accident

A Newton man wanted for vehicular homicide turned himself in Monday following a warrant for his arrest.

Alex M. Spangenburg, 23, was wanted in connection to a fatal crash on Oct. 22, 2016 in Newton. Police released Monday that speed and alcohol consumption are believed to be factors in the crash.

Spangenburg had a revoked license and didn’t have a motorcycle endorsement. A subsequent blood test indicated that Spangenburg was operating the motorcycle with a blood alcohol content in excess of .163 at the time of the accident.

At approximately 2:15 a.m., the Newton Police Department was called to a motorcycle accident near the intersection of West Fourth Street South and South 15th Avenue West near Maytag Park. When officers arrived, they found two men lying in a ditch near the intersection.

The passenger — Bret Rice, 26, of Des Moines and formerly of Reasnor — was pronounced dead at the scene. Spangenburg was transported by air ambulance to Mercy Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Neither man was wearing a helmet.

According to Newton Police, the motorcycle was traveling south in the 1300 block of West Fourth Street when the driver, believed to be Spangenburg, struck the curb on the east side of the roadway. The motorcycle slid on its side and then struck the south curb along South 15th Avenue West, then vaulted and struck a utility pole.

After his recovery and the completion of the investigation, Spangenburg was charged with vehicular homicide, a Class B felony. If convicted, Spangenburg could face up to 25 years of imprisonment.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com