DES MOINES, Iowa — Charges have now been filed against an Albia man in connection with a crash that took the life of a Des Moines teenager last weekend.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday that Kaelin Meinders, 23, has been charged with driving while barred-habitual offender, no insurance-causing an accident, and reckless driving.

The charges stem from a September 20th crash at 4950 NE 29th Street in Des Moines. The PCSO said Santiago Rhone, 15, was crossing the street around 11:00 p.m. when a motorcycle operated by Meinders struck him.

Deputies arrived within minutes of the crash and began lifesaving efforts like CPR. Medics continued lifesaving efforts and transported him to a Des Moines hospital, where he died.

Meinders suffered injuries in the crash as well and was admitted to the hospital. His current condition is unknown. The PCSO was not sure whether he had been released from the hospital.

Online court records show a search warrant was applied for and granted for a sample of Meinders’ blood, as investigators noticed signs he may have been impaired. A deputy and an Iowa State Trooper allegedly observed Meinders had bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, slurred speech, mumbling speech, unsteady gait, judgment impaired, reason or mental ability affected.

Standardized field sobriety testing was also completed, with Meinders showing signs of impairment, though a preliminary breath test came up zeroes, according to court documents.

Meinders also allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he had smoked marijuana approximately three days before the crash.

Lt. Mark Chance, Public Information Office of the PCSO, said more charges could be filed in the case as the investigation progresses.

A Candlelight Vigil in memory of Santiago Rhone is being held on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the East High School baseball field. Rhone was a sophomore at East High and a member of the baseball team.