Mason City man arrested in fatal January parking lot crash

MASON CITY, Iowa -- Authorities say an arrest has been made months after a pedestrian was struck and killed in a northern Iowa grocery store parking lot. The incident took place on January 31 in the parking lot of the Fareway store located at 400 N. Delaware Avenue in Mason City. Authorities say a Chevy Tahoe was driving and struck a pedestrian in the traveled portion of the parking lot. The pedestrian, later identified as 75-year-old Sharon Hamm, of Mason City, was transported to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries. On Friday, Mason City Police announced they had arrested 46-year-old Timothy Best, of Mason City, in connection with the fatal crash. Best is charged with Homicide by Vehicle -Reckless Driving, a Class C Felony. A court complaint filed in the case states that on the day of the incident, Best struck Hamm and caused her death by "operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner with willful and wanton disregard" for people's safety. Best posted bond and was released from the Cerro Gordo County Jail shortly after his arrest. Court records state his preliminary hearing has been waived, and another court appearance has not been scheduled. The incident was investigated by the Mason City Police Department with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol and the Cerro Gordo County Attorney's Office.