A Cantril man is facing multiple felony charges following a single-vehicle crash in Mount Sterling that resulted in serious injuries to a passenger.
According to court records, 37-year-old Eric Messerschmitt was arrested in connection with an incident that occurred on Tuesday, January 13th at approximately 7:25 p.m. Messerschmitt has been charged with willful injury causing serious injury, a Class C felony; operating while under the influence – third offense or subsequent offense, a Class D felony; domestic abuse assault – second offense, an aggravated misdemeanor; driving while barred, an aggravated misdemeanor; and failure to maintain control, a scheduled violation.
Court documents state that the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a single-vehicle collision involving serious injury. Messerschmitt identified himself as the driver at the time of the collision.
The female passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported by EMS to Van Buren County Hospital. She was later airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics due to the severity of her injuries.
Court records indicate that Messerschmitt admitted he and the passenger were engaged in a physical altercation while the vehicle was in motion, which caused him to lose control and crash. Messerschmitt stated that the victim’s injuries were the result of the crash and airbag deployment.
The victim sustained multiple facial fractures, lacerations to the head and face, and damage to her dentures, which were shattered into multiple pieces. Medical staff reported that the victim’s injuries were not consistent with Messerschmitt’s statement that the injuries were caused solely by the airbag during the crash. The victim informed medical staff and family members that she was struck repeatedly in the head and face by Messerschmitt.
During contact with Messerschmitt, he displayed signs of impairment and admitted to being impaired, according to court documents. He provided a preliminary breath sample, which indicated a result above the legal limit. His driving status in Iowa is currently barred for habitual offender until January 19th, 2026.
Messerschmitt remains in custody on multiple bonds totaling $20,000 cash or surety following his arrest. A no contact order has been requested. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 22nd.
