Jefferson City man whose run from crash led to search is charged criminally
Matthew Sanders
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Jefferson City man who ran from a crash last week, prompting a multi-day search amid concerns about his safety, has been charged with a felony.
Nathan J. Spencer, 20, was found safe Friday in a wooded area near Capitol View Drive, Jefferson City Police said. He had been missing since that Tuesday after he was involved in a crash on Highway 50/63 westbound. Police began the search because they were concerned that Spencer, who is autistic, might have had a mental health crisis before he ran from the crash scene.
Prosecutors in Cole County charged Spencer on Tuesday with felony leaving the scene of a crash and two misdemeanors — careless and imprudent driving and driving without a license.
A probable cause statement alleges Spencer was speeding and swerving between lanes when he rear-ended another vehicle. The statement says Spencer remains at a hospital, where he has been since he was found on Friday.
No hearing has been set.