Mason City man pleads not guilty to vehicular homicide in bicycle death

MASON CITY — A Mason City man accused of vehicular homicide after the death of a bicyclist last month has pleaded not guilty.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department says the accident happened at 22375 Thrush Avenue near Plymouth shortly after 11:35 on the night of June 5th.  James Powell was traveling southbound on his bike when he was hit by a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Cody Skiye. Powell died from his injuries on June 11th.

Authorities say Skiye’s blood alcohol content level at the time of the accident was .222, just under three times the legal limit of .08.

Skiye was due in court for his arraignment hearing on Tuesday but filed a written plea of not guilty to the charges on Monday in Cerro Gordo County District Court. His trial is scheduled to start on September 21st.

Vehicular homicide while operating under the influence is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison.