Two women charged after Missouri Highway Patrol trooper struck during traffic stop, seriously injured
The Clay County Prosecutor's Office announced charges against two women Thursday after a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was injured in a crash while working a traffic stop early Wednesday.
Those two women include the individual stopped on suspicion of DWI at the time of the crash, as well as the individual who allegedly struck the trooper.
Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson announced charges Thursday morning against Erika Guerrero-Chavez, 24, and Ashton Berry, 25.
Thompson said the incident started when the trooper attempted to stop Guerrero-Chavez on northbound Interstate 35 near 210 Highway for driving 96 mph in a 55 mph zone. The car stopped on the left shoulder of I-35.
Documents state the MSHP corporal started a DWI investigation and eventually attempted to arrest Guerrero-Chavez, who resisted.
Thompson said the trooper was eventually able to get Guerrero-Chavez into handcuffs and placed into his patrol car. Guerrero-Chavez then slipped her handcuffs, and tried to run back to her car. Authorities said the trooper was able to intercept her and place her back into his patrol car. Guerrero-Chavez continued to struggle as the corporal worked to secure her in his patrol car from the passenger side of the vehicle. Prosecutors said during that struggle, the trooper was hit by a Ford Focus driven by Berry.
Thompson said crash data from the Focus shows the vehicle leaving the roadway at the time the trooper was struck. Data also shows the vehicle was speeding just before the crash.
The trooper was rushed to an area hospital with serious injuries. He underwent surgery Wednesday morning. Officials said Thursday that he will be facing a long recovery.
"Our trooper is conscious. He's in good spirits. We're able to have conversations with him, to laugh and smile, which is a relief to all of us that know him and are friends with him. So we are very thankful that we have that opportunity," Sgt. Justin Ewing said. "But we do want to make it clear that his life has been altered forever. It has been forever changed. The road to recovery for him will be extensive."
A subsequent search of Berry's vehicle led to the recovery of 1 gram of methamphetamine.
The trooper remains hospitalized.
Guerrero-Chavez has been charged with second-degree assault in connection with the incident. Berry has been charged with second-degree assault and possession of a controlled substance.
Both women pleaded not guilty Thursday.
The MSHP Major Crash Investigation Unit continues to investigate this incident.
Photos below show damage to MSHP vehicle
Video below: MSHP spokesperson provides update on condition of trooper
Video below: Clay County prosecutor announces charges
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