The Iowa State Patrol (ISP) has completed an extensive investigation surrounding the circumstances into the four person vehicle fatality crash that occurred on I-80 near the Waukee exit in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 26th.

Benjamin E. Beary, 25, Knoxville was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-80 when his Ford Taurus collided head-on with a Des Moines Police Department transport SUV at approximately 12:30 a.m.

Investigators report Beary was traveling at approximately 102 mph at the time of impact and had a blood alcohol concentration of .223.

Additional details in the ISP report:

– The Des Moines Police unit was traveling at a speed of approximately 79 mph at the time of impact.

– Speed zone for this particular area of the interstate is 70 mph.

– Iowa State Patrol Technical Investigators determined that at the time of the crash, there was no braking by either vehicle. The crash occurred just beyond the crest of a small incline and is the investigators’ conclusion that the Des Moines officers could not see the Ford Taurus until just before impact.

– The Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner concluded that the 3 occupants in the Des Moines Police unit died from multiple blunt force injuries. The cause of death for Mr. Beary was determined to be from multiple blunt force injuries, thermal injuries, and smoke inhalation.

– This report also showed recent use of marijuana by Mr. Beary.

– Toxicology reports for the Des Moines officers were negative for alcohol and common illicit or prescription drugs.

– Based upon the investigation, the Iowa State Patrol’s Technical Investigator(s) concluded that Mr. Beary merged onto I-80 at the Grand Prairie Parkway interchange driving westbound into the eastbound lanes of travel. This interchange is marked appropriately with signage and markings. The investigators concluded that Mr. Beary’s high level of impairment resulted in him driving the wrong way on the interstate.