A Mexico, Mo., man was charged following a serious crash on April 1.
The incident occurred at 7:04 p.m. in the 4800 block of South Clark Street. According to the Mexico Public Safety Department, a 2015 Cadillac SUV was traveling south when it failed to navigate a curve, subsequently leaving the roadway.
The Cadillac struck a raised area of ground, flipping end-over-end for approximately 528 feet before landing on its roof. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was speeding prior to the accident.
Emergency responders noted the driver, William R. Johnson, exhibited signs of impairment. Officers detected a strong smell of marijuana when they approached the vehicle. The passenger sustained severe injuries, including a spinal fracture and injured ribs.
Court documents indicate Johnson suffered a traumatic brain injury in the incident. He has been charged with DWI – Serious Physical Injury and a misdemeanor charge of Operating a Motor Vehicle in a Careless and Imprudent Manner, Involving an Accident.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may be released as they become available.