Southbound vehicle struck two cyclists on recumbent tricycles near Northwest 26th Street
November 03, 2025 | Polk, IA
Two cyclists riding recumbent tricycles suffered injuries, one serious, when a motorist struck them and fled the scene in Polk County.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office continues to search for the suspect vehicle.
David VanGundy, 68, suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run involving a damaged Kia Sportage on Northwest 26th Street in Polk County.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: November 3, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m.
- Location: Northwest 26th Street at Northwest 54th Avenue, Polk County, Iowa
- Victims: David VanGundy, 68, seriously injured, Kathleen VanGundy, 69, minor injuries
- Activity: Both riding southbound recumbent tricycles and turning onto Northwest 54th Avenue
- Outcome: Cyclists ejected from tricycles
David VanGundy and Kathleen VanGundy traveled south on Northwest 26th Street when a southbound vehicle hit them during the turn. The driver left without stopping.
What Vehicle Do Authorities Seek?
The Polk County Sheriff's Office suspects the fleeing motorist drove a 2011-2014 Kia Sportage with passenger-side damage. Tips can go to Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur Frequently?
More than one hit-and-run collision happens every minute on United States roads, according to available statistics. Drivers often leave because of intoxication, lack of license, or fear of arrest.
Hit-and-Run Statistics |
Details |
|---|
Percentage of all crashes involving hit-and-run |
Approximately 11 percent |
Frequency on U.S. roads |
More than one every minute |
Legal Insights
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Independent probe preserves evidence
- Prompt action protects victim rights
- Full review of scene factors aids case
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client,” Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, said. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
- Attorney handles insurer talks
- Fair compensation counters low offers
- Legal support eases recovery stress
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., delivers this report with unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. All facts come from verified law enforcement data. Readers may report errors via the Corrections Form; reviews occur within 24 hours under the Corrections Policy.
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Bicycle Accident, Iowa, Polk County hit-and-run, recumbent tricycle crash, Northwest 26th Street accident, Kia Sportage