Wrong-Way Driver Causes Crash, Shuts Down I-380 in Cedar Rapids

44-year-old Ronald Donelson arrested and charged with multiple offenses after incident

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Cedar Rapids police responded to reports of a wrong-way driver on I-380 around 1:22 a.m. on Saturday. The driver, identified as 44-year-old Ronald Donelson, was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes and caused a four-vehicle collision, shutting down the interstate for several hours. Donelson was arrested and charged with OWI 3rd, interference with official acts, reckless driving, and driving on the wrong side of a two-way highway. One passenger in an involved vehicle was taken to the hospital and released.

Why it matters

Wrong-way driving incidents on highways are extremely dangerous and can lead to devastating crashes. This case highlights the risks posed by impaired or reckless drivers and the importance of swift law enforcement response to protect public safety on major roadways.

The details

According to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, officers responded to calls about a wrong-way driver on I-380 around 1:22 a.m. on Saturday. The driver, later identified as 44-year-old Ronald Donelson, was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes and caused a four-vehicle collision. The crash site encompassed all three lanes, leading to the interstate being shut down for several hours.

  • The incident occurred around 1:22 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Ronald Donelson

A 44-year-old man who was arrested and charged as the wrong-way driver responsible for the crash on I-380.

Cedar Rapids Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and apprehended the suspect.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Ronald Donelson at his upcoming court appearance.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious risks posed by wrong-way driving and the importance of swift law enforcement response to protect public safety on major highways. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and education to prevent such dangerous driving behaviors.