The 21-year-old Rolla man who had the unfortunate experience of hitting and killing a St. James man while westbound on Interstate 44 Friday evening will not be charged in the man’s death.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol made the announcement Monday that Jonathon L. Drew, 21, of Rolla would not be charged in the accident that killed 29-year-old Robert Scheider of St. James.
“There will be no charges,” MSHP Sgt. Dan Crain, Troop I’s Public Information and Education Officer, said after officials investigated the accident near Exit 195 near St. James.
Meanwhile, visitation for Scheider is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at James & Gahr Funeral Home in St. James, 117 N. Seymour St. The funeral is 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Scheider approached Interstate 44 from the south, was successful in crossing the eastbound lane but was struck in the westbound lane by Drew, who was westbound near Hutcheson Ford.
According to the report filed Cpl. Doug Melton of the Highway Patrol, and statements taken from Drew, Scheider appeared out of the median ditch and headed into the westbound traffic.
“The driver made the call immediately to 911 and said he hit a guy,” Melton said. “The guy came out of the ditch in-between I-44 and was trying to cross the interstate.”
Reportedly, Scheider’s father lives on the Dillon Outer Road, and he was leaving that area.
The accident occurred just before 8:53 p.m. Friday, which is when the MSHP received the call.
Scheider was struck by Drew while driving a 2005 Ford E350 Budget rental truck near mile-marker 195, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Larry Swinfard, according to Melton.
Melton said Sgt. Chris French of the St. James Police Department was the first to locate the body.
On Monday, Crain warned pedestrians about dangers around interstates.
“The interstates are very dangerous. With vehicles traveling 70 mph, they’re upon you very quickly,” Crain said. “And at night, with headlights in your eyes, as this accident was, your depth perception is not as good. It’s very difficult to judge the speed of the car.”
Crain warned all pedestrians, and motorists who become pedestrians, to be careful on the roadways.
“The same can be said for people standing near a car (on the shoulder). These cars can come up much quicker than people realize,” Crain said.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Ambulance, St. James Police Department, St. James Ambulance District, the Phelps County Sheriff Department and the St. James Fire Protection District responded to the scene, according to Melton.
Scheider leaves two daughters, Rose, 6, and Trinity Lynn, 4. A 1998 graduate of John Hodge High School in St. James, Scheider lost a sister years ago who was killed in a traffic accident. He was employed by Huffman Lawn Services.
