November 6, 2024
EARLVILLE, Iowa - On October 13, 2024, a fatality motor vehicle collision occurred on U.S. Highway 20 near the 287 mile marker (Earlville) in Delaware County.
A preliminary investigation by the Iowa State Patrol revealed a 2014 Chevrolet Impala occupied by three adult males was eastbound on Highway 20, east of the Earlville Interchange, when for an indeterminate reason, the vehicle crossed the median and continued eastbound in the westbound lanes for over one mile.
The Chevrolet ultimately collided head-on with a 2018 Freightliner Straight-Truck, resulting in both vehicles becoming fully engulfed in flame. The occupants of the Chevrolet were pronounced deceased on the scene, while the operator of the Freightliner sustained minor injuries.
The occupants of the vehicles involved in the fatality motor vehicle collision have now been positively identified.
The driver of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala was identified as Tijuan Devell White, 50, of Robbinsdale, Minnesota. The front seat passenger was identified as Tyrese Devell Johnson, 21, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rear seat passenger was identified as Augustine T. Monboe, 38, of Robbinsdale, Minnesota.
The driver of the 2018 Freightliner Straight-Truck was identified as Ricky Charles Bergfeld, 62, of Peosta, Iowa.
The investigation determined that Tijuan White sustained a gunshot wound prior to colliding with Bergfeld’s truck. No evidence was located that indicated the gunshot came from outside White’s vehicle. Due to extensive fire damage to White’s vehicle, the manner of death remains undetermined.
The investigation remains ongoing by the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa State Patrol, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319