There are times in people’s lives in which they react on pure adrenaline. Often, these reactions are out of character. Unfortunately, a man in Missouri is now facing multiple accusations, including drunk driving, after police say he caused a fatal accident following a police pursuit.
Police say that they initially became involved with the man after receiving reports of a driver who lost a trailer in the parking lot of a fair. Officers say that they then received a report of a driver — presumably the same one — fleeing from a traffic accident. A pursuit began, and a deputy deployed tire deflation devices. The driver allegedly continued.
Law enforcement officials claim that because they determined that there was too much traffic to continue a chase and a state police helicopter was being used to track the driver, the pursuit was stopped. However, the driver allegedly struck a pickup truck that was stopped at a traffic light before continuing into an intersection and striking a second vehicle. All three occupants in the second vehicle reportedly passed away as a result of injuries suffered in the collision.
In addition to accusations that he was drunk driving, the 29-year-old faces other charges, including multiple counts of second-degree murder. The loss of a life is always a tragedy, and the desire for justice is understandable. However, a person in Missouri accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless there is sufficient evidence that actually proves otherwise in court. The standard required by the court to prove guilt is often difficult to meet. Because of the severity of the charges against the man, he may feel more confident in the decisions he must make with an experienced criminal defense attorney on his side.