A LeClaire man is charged with attempted murder and seriously injured a person with a vehicle, according to police

BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC) – A LeClaire, Iowa man is behind bars after police say he intentionally and seriously injured a person with a vehicle.

Holden Van Smith, 19, is charged with attempted murder, malicious wounding, criminal mischief and armed with intent, according to an affidavit from the Bettendorf Police Department. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, placed on a ventilator and then flown to a trauma center in Peoria, Illinois, for further treatment, including brain surgery.

The allegations made against Smith arise as follows.

At about 9:32 a.m. Sunday, Smith was driving a vehicle in the parking lot near the TBK Bank Sports Complex, 4850 Competition Drive, when he messaged the victim on social media encouraging him to get involved in a fight, police said.

The two met and Smith intentionally swerved toward the victim, who was standing outside in the parking lot, police said. Smith accelerated the vehicle and intentionally hit her.

Smith then crashed the vehicle into a fence and came to rest on the soccer field, causing approximately $10,000 in damage, police said.

Smith then ran away, leaving the scene and leaving the victim unconscious in the parking lot, police said.

During a search of Smith's vehicle, police found a machete that was in the passenger seat, not in a case and within reach of the driver's compartment, police said. The case is under investigation.

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