Mark DeHeer

A van swerved into oncoming traffic and into a group of motorcyclists Friday afternoon and then continued eastbound.

The Iowa State Patrol, Marion County and Mahaska County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the hit and run accident on Old Highway 92 near 216th Place. Witnesses reported seeing an eastbound van careen through a group of westbound motorcyclists, striking one and spraying debris into several others. The van continued driving eastbound, but was followed by a motorcyclist to a home in Leighton. The cyclist contacted authorities who apprehended and arrested Mark DeHeer of Leighton. Clay Township Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholdt says that interdepartmental cooperation and the quick thinking of the motorcyclist who followed the van was essential in this case. DeHeer is charged with OWI 3rd Offense, two counts of serious injury by vehicle, two counts of leaving the scene of a serious accident and assault with a dangerous weapon. He was transported to the Mahaska County Jail.