Man Charged With Homicide In Fatal Waterloo Crash
A Waterloo man has been charged in connection with a fatal accident that occurred in the city last month.
Waterloo police arrested Derrick Johnson, 36, on Wednesday (Sept. 20, 2017). He was charged with homicide by vehicle/operating under influence and booked into the Black Hawk County jail.
Officials identified Johnson as the driver of a pickup truck that was involved in a deadly crash at the intersection of East 1st and Sycamore streets on Aug. 2. Investigators said the pickup struck a minivan, which then overturned. The impact killed six-month-old Liam Mwanje and injured several other children in the passenger van.
According to court records, Johnson told investigators he was looking in his rear view mirror when the accident occurred. Police said Johnson failed to stop at the signed intersection.
Investigators believe Johnson was under the influence of drugs at the time of the mishap. Court records show he had a blood alcohol level of .069 and tested positive for cannabis and cocaine.