(Urbandale, Iowa) – A crash between two stolen vehicles this (Friday) morning in Polk County, resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The accident happened as the vehicles were being pursued by an Urbandale Police Officer.

According to Urbandale Police, officers spotted a white 2017 Hyundai Elantra that had been reported stolen traveling south in the 4300 block of 86th Street around 3:30-a.m., Friday. The Elantra was traveling alongside a black 2015 Kia Soul. According to police, an officer was preparing to activate his lights and sirens when both vehicles sped away.

The Iowa State Patrol reports the Hyundai was driven by 18-year-old Sheldon Christopher Ballentine, of Des Moines, and the KIA was driven by 22-year-old Jeffrey Lionel Smith, Jr., of Des Moines. Both vehicles were traveling southbound on 86th Street at a high rate of speed, when the Hyundai went out of control and bounced into the KIA.

The Hyundai then went back over the center divider, across the northbound lanes, and up an embankment, before coming to rest in a private parking lot. The KIA left the road and struck a tree. The Patrol says Smith died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. Ballentine was not injured. He was arrested at the scene on charges that include:

• Homicide by Vehicle – Attempt to Elude
• Eluding – Speed 25+ Over Limit
• Theft – 2nd Degree
• Possession of Controlled Substance – Marijuana
• Failure to Use Headlamps When Required