Cherokee, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The Cherokee man accused of 1st degree murder is out on bond. 66-year-old Richard Hammond posted his 100-thousand-dollar cash surety Tuesday, after being booked into the Cherokee County jail around noon on Monday.

The Sheriff’s department charged Hammond in the death of 47-year-old Christopher Wheeler from Sutherland, after two witnesses claimed Hammond drove into a rural driveway East of town around midnight, where Wheeler was working on a truck. They say Wheeler attempted to run away but Hammond – in the words of one – “100 percent intended to run over the victim.”

Wheeler died of injuries despite efforts of medical responders. Hammond is due in court next Wednesday.