Passenger grabs wheel in alleged drunken outburst, causes crash

WINFIELD — The Henry County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a report of a single vehicle collision, allegedly caused by an intoxicated passenger, in the 700 block of Nebraska Avenue in Winfield, Wednesday, May 28, at approximately 12:35 a.m.

It was reported the driver of the vehicle was injured and the passenger could not be located and was unaccounted for.

According to a criminal complaint filed with Iowa Courts, the driver stated they were taking Roscoe Leyda, 38 of Mt. Pleasant home when an argument started.

“The defendant told the victim [driver] ‘do you wanna die’ while grabbing the steering wheel and pulling on it causing the vehicle to lose control,” the criminal complaint states.

While responding to the collision scene, the passenger was located walking in the 2300-grid of Highway 78 outside of Winfield. The individual was identified as Roscoe Leyda, 38 of Mt. Pleasant.

During the interaction it was determined Roscoe was intoxicated and possessed drug paraphernalia.

Roscoe was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, both simple misdemeanors.

Additionally, Leyda was charged with Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com