Hit-and-Run Crash in Polk County Claims Life of Kathleen Peterson

clock Created with Sketch Beta. May 30, 2026
Hit-and-Run Crash in Polk County Claims Life of Kathleen Peterson

DES MOINES, IA (May 24, 2026) — A 61-year-old pedestrian, Kathleen Peterson, was killed early Sunday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Des Moines, Polk County, according to the Des Moines Police Department.

Authorities said Peterson was walking in the 1000 block of East Railroad Avenue around 2 a.m. when she was struck by a vehicle. Investigators stated that the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision.

Peterson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, the Des Moines Police Department’s Traffic Unit located the suspect vehicle at an apartment complex in the 2100 block of King Avenue. Officers identified the driver as 28-year-old Ludvin Zuniga Sarceno, with assistance from surveillance footage and information provided by local businesses.

Sarceno was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Class D felony. He also faces additional misdemeanor charges for operating without a valid driver’s license and failing to provide proof of insurance.

Incident Location


FATAL PEDESTRIAN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

The DMPD Traffic Unit continues to investigate the incident.

Drivers involved in collisions have a legal duty to remain at the scene and ensure injured victims receive immediate medical assistance. Despite strict penalties, some drivers still flee crash scenes, putting victims’ lives at even greater risk.

Of the more than 48,000 pedestrian deaths recorded in the United States between 1998 and 2007, 18.1% involved hit-and-run drivers. Alcohol use and invalid licensing were among the most common factors linked to such incidents.

Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, said suspects often flee because they may be impaired, unlicensed, or fear arrest.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.

“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one 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,” Bond added.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Based on the information provided, the family members of Kathleen Peterson will likely be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Relatives of victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.

“We understand what victims must go through, and knowing your rights and protecting them is vital. As experienced wrongful death attorneys, we provide guidance, updates regarding ongoing investigations, and work to safeguard legal rights and interests,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal.

Formica added, “Grieving families are often overwhelmed by legal procedures following such tragedies. An attorney can serve as a compassionate resource, helping guide families through the process and ensuring they receive the compensation they are entitled to.”

“An attorney can also stand between victims’ families and large insurance companies, carefully reviewing all facts of the case and advocating strongly to protect their rights,” he said.


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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