Eastern Iowa Man Charged With Homicide by Vehicle

Authorities have now charged an eastern Iowa man with homicide by vehicle, in connection with a fatal traffic accident last month.

On Saturday (May 30), just before 9am, the Linn County Sheriff arrested 22 year old Edwin Arenivas of Marengo, on a warrant issued for Homicide by Vehicle-Operating Under the Influence.

The charge comes following the investigation into a deadly accident on May 7th, at an intersection in Walford. It happened just before 6am: Linn County Deputies, Fairfax Fire Department, Area Ambulance Service and Lifeguard Air Ambulance Service were called to the accident site, at the intersection of Highway 151 and Commercial Drive.

Authorities determined that a northbound vehicle driven by 22 year old Edwin Arenivas of Cedar Rapids, crossed the center line and collided with the other vehicle, head-on.
The other driver, 32 year old John Erik Halvorson of Cedar Rapids, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Arenivas had to be extricated from his vehicle, and flown to University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, with life-threatening injuries.

Following the 3 week investigation, Arenivas was arrested on a warrant for Homicide by Vehicle-Operating Under the Influence. He is currently being held in the Linn County jail.