Des Moines man charged with vehicular homicide in fatal 2025 crash

BREMER COUNTY, Iowa -- Charges have been filed against the driver after a Bremer County crash that killed an Urbandale man in 2025. In August 2025, the Iowa State Patrol released a report stating that one person had been killed and several others had sustained minor to serious injuries during a crash in Bremer County. According to the ISP report, on August 23, a Toyota Tacoma failed to yield to a posted sign and entered the intersection of 190th Street and Piedmont Avenue, where it was struck on the driver's side by a Ford F-150. Authorities announced 41-year-old  Lungawia Chalthleng, of Urbandale, had been killed in the crash. However, no further details about the driver of the Tacoma or the passengers were shared. On Tuesday, Lal Pui Liana Puia Sai Lo was arrested by local law enforcement and charged with Homicide by Vehicle - Reckless Driving, Class C Felony, and Serious Injury by Vehicle, Class D Felony, in the case. Criminal complaints filed in the case state that on the day of the crash, Puia Sai Lo was driving the Tacoma and failed to stop and yield the right of way at the intersection. Records state that after being struck by the F-150, the Tacoma rolled onto its roof and struck a tree before coming to a stop. Records state the Tacoma sustained severe contact and crush damage to the driver's side and roof. There were three other passengers in the Tacoma during the crash. Chalthleng, who was in the rear passenger side, was killed and was found on his back with his torso in the vehicle and his legs outside the vehicle. The two other passengers in the Tacoma were both found outside the vehicle, and each sustained injuries. The Ford F-150 came to rest in a ditch after the collision, and according to records, the driver sustained serious injuries while the passenger sustained minor injuries. Court records show Puia Sai Lo is being held at the Bremer County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 5.