Feb 28, 2008

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help regarding a fatal accident near Alton Sunday morning. On Feb. 24, at approximately 4:20 a.m., members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol were called to investigate a traffic crash on U.S. Highway 160, three miles west of Alton, in Oregon County. Upon arrival, officers determined a westbound vehicle being operated by Justin M. Crews, 21, of Alton, had run off the edge of the roadway, struck a culvert, and overturned, ejecting Crews onto the roadway. Evidence at the scene suggested that Crews was then struck by an unknown vehicle, which left the scene. Oregon County Coroner Tom Clary pronounced Crews dead at the scene. The investigation continues into the identification of the driver of the second vehicle. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is asking anyone who might have any information about the traffic crash or knowledge of the vehicle involved to immediately contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop G Headquarters at (417) 469-3121. The Highway Patrol investigated a one-vehicle accident north of Ava in Douglas County on Friday, Feb. 22, that resulted in minor injuries to the driver. The report said Clyde A. Morris, 49, of Ava, was traveling north on Highway 5 when he hit black ice in the roadway, ran off the road impacting a rock bluff. His 1999 Ford Ranger pickup then came to rest in the roadway. The wreck was investigated by Tpr. R.D. Crewse.