COUNCIL BLUFFS — The motorist who investigators believe struck a Shelby, Iowa, firefighter in September has been ticketed for driving without proper registration, but that should be the extent of charges, according to authorities.
The firefighter, Michael Collins, 41, was directing traffic at an accident scene on Interstate 80 near Shelby on Sept. 18. As he stood in the left lane, a Honda Accord driven by David L. Thies of Ames went around slowed vehicles and struck Collins, according to the Iowa State Patrol's accident report.
Thies, 44, was ticketed in January following a monthslong investigation by the State Patrol. He pleaded guilty. His fine and court costs totaled $127.50, according to court documents.
Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber has said an overtly reckless act — such as drunken driving or drag racing — would be necessary for a charge like motor vehicle homicide to be filed.
"All his tests came back clean. There was no showing of reckless conduct," Wilber said earlier this month.
"If he's not intoxicated and he's not reckless, then under Iowa law there is no probable cause to be filing a motor vehicle homicide charge."
Al Fenderson, one of Collins' brothers, has said something more should be done.
"There needs to be some sort of punishment besides the ticket," he told The World-Herald in December.
Reached by phone Monday, Thies declined to comment at length.
"There is nothing that I can say that will bring a good man back," he said.
Contact the writer: 402-444-1310, andrew.nelson@owh.com
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