One woman faces multiple charges following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 50 in Osage County on Sept. 20.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the accident occurred near County Road 400 A. Involved were a Chevrolet Camaro, a Dodge Grand Caravan, and a Subaru.
MSHP reported that an adult and a juvenile in the Subaru sustained minor injuries, along with two adults and four juveniles in the Caravan.
Preliminary findings indicate the Camaro was traveling westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane, sideswiping the Subaru. The Subaru's rear wheel detached and struck the front windshield of the Caravan, which was also sideswiped by the Camaro.
Cindy Lou Baumgartner, 49, of Jefferson City, was identified as the driver of the Camaro. Authorities believe she was under the influence, as two pill bottles were found in her vehicle and a suspected smell of burnt marijuana was present. Witnesses reported her stating, “I think I hit the car, I went over the lane,” during questioning.
Court documents indicate one pill bottle contained Lorazepam, while the second contained a mix of substances. Baumgartner reportedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests conducted at the scene.
Officials noted that a juvenile passenger was present in her vehicle at the time of the incident.
Baumgartner was charged with nine counts: DWI – Physical Injury, Possession of a Controlled Substance, DWI – Prior, Failure to Drive on the Right Half of Roadway Resulting in an Accident, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Maintaining Financial Responsibility. She received a criminal summons to appear in Osage County court.