Prison Officer Michael Valera and Inmate William Rodman Die After Van Crashes and Catches Fire on Interstate 10 in Mississippi

A devastating accident on Interstate 10 in Mississippi left a prison officer and an inmate dead on Wednesday morning, after the van they were travelling in collided with a utility truck, overturned, and caught fire.

The incident has sent shockwaves through local communities and law enforcement alike.

Lives Lost and Survivors

Officer Michael Valera, 32, who was driving the van, and inmate William Rodman, 34, both died in the fiery crash.

Valera, a father and husband from central Florida, had been transporting prisoners as part of his duties.

Rodman, recently released from a jail in Lake City, Florida, was being transferred to Spaulding County, Georgia, to face fraud charges.

Two others in the van — Officer Raymond Boetermann, 29, and inmate Javier Arroyo, 27 — were airlifted to the hospital in critical condition.

First responders had to cut open the side of the van to free a prisoner who remained shackled in the back.

The driver of the utility truck, Jerry Jenkins, 54, was seriously injured and transported to a hospital via ambulance.

Harrowing Dash Cam Footage

Dash cam footage from the scene, captured by witness Charlie King, shows the prison van careening across multiple lanes of traffic before hitting a metal pole, overturning, and erupting into flames.

Thick black smoke filled the air as vehicles scrambled to avoid the wreckage.

“I had to come back and get my fire extinguisher,” King told Fox10.

“The fire started out small, but by the time I got back, it was too far gone to put out.”

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King noted excessive exhaust coming from the van prior to the crash, suggesting mechanical issues may have contributed to the tragedy.

Context and Transportation Details

The Ford van was operated by St. Joseph Services, a private company that provides inmate transport for law enforcement.

The vehicle had been en route from Florida to Mississippi to pick up a prisoner from Harrison County Jail.

The crash caused significant damage, with several interstate exits blocked for hours, creating heavy delays during rush hour.

The van was carrying two inmates and two officers at the time of the crash.

Officials from the Mississippi Highway Patrol confirmed the crash caused the fire, which compounded the severity of the incident.

Ongoing Investigation

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash, examining factors such as vehicle maintenance, road conditions, and traffic at the time.

Officials have not yet determined if the accident was caused by mechanical failure, driver error, or other contributing factors.

Authorities have reached out to St. Joseph Services, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for further information.

What’s Next?

Investigators will continue reviewing evidence, including dash cam footage, vehicle inspections, and witness statements, to determine the cause of the crash.

The families of the victims are being notified and will receive support services, while the injured officers and inmates remain under close medical care.

Law enforcement is also expected to issue safety recommendations for private prison transport companies following the findings.

Travelers in the area are advised to remain cautious as the investigation continues and to expect ongoing delays on nearby routes during recovery operations.

Summary

A prison van accident on Interstate 10, Mississippi, claimed the lives of Officer Michael Valera and inmate William Rodman after a collision with a utility truck caused the vehicle to overturn and burst into flames.

Two others in the van, including Officer Raymond Boetermann and inmate Javier Arroyo, were critically injured, as was the utility truck driver Jerry Jenkins.

The van, operated by St. Joseph Services, was transporting inmates between states.

Dash cam footage captured the violent sequence of events.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating, and families of the victims are receiving support.