Mario Palafox-Manzano arrested after scooter crash on Highway 415

Vehicle struck teen rider near Northwest 94th Avenue in Ankeny

May 03, 2026 | Ankeny, IA

A hit-and-run incident in Ankeny left a 14-year-old girl with serious injuries after she was struck by a vehicle on May 3. 

The driver, Mario Palafox-Manzano, 18, from Des Moines, fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities.

Mario Palafox-Manzano, 18, was arrested after a crash that seriously injured a scooter rider near Northwest 94th Avenue and Highway 415 in Ankeny, Polk County.

What Happened in the Crash?

The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported that the girl was riding a scooter near the intersection of Northwest 94th Avenue and Highway 415 around 6:25 p.m. when Palafox-Manzano's vehicle collided with her. He did not stop to assist and drove away, prompting a swift investigation aided by witness accounts and surveillance footage.

• Date and Time: May 3, approximately 6:25 p.m.
• Location: Intersection of Northwest 94th Avenue and Highway 415, Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa
• Victim: 14-year-old girl on a scooter, transported to a local hospital with serious injuries
• Suspect: Mario Palafox-Manzano, 18, of Des Moines, was arrested the following day
• Charges: Leaving the scene of a serious injury accident, failure to render aid, a traffic infraction, and no valid driver's license or insurance

Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?

Hit-and-run incidents often stem from panic, lack of insurance, or fear of legal consequences. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over one such crash happens every minute on U.S. roads, with an annual average of 682,000 since 2006. These crashes underscore the need for immediate scene presence to ensure victim safety.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians. In cases such as this, independent investigations help establish accountability and support victim recovery.

"Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence," said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. "These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that a hit-and-run driver is held accountable for their reckless actions."

• Drivers must remain at the scene to provide aid and exchange information.
• Victims' rights are protected through prompt legal action against negligent parties.
• Insurance negotiations often require professional advocacy to secure fair outcomes.

"As personal injury attorneys, our job is to provide both legal information and advice to those who have been injured in an accident," said Stefano Formica, managing partner with Bond Legal. "It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client. 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 client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly."

The incident is under ongoing review by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Affected individuals may explore personal injury options, though outcomes depend on investigative findings. 

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