Man charged for intentionally driving wrong way, causing pileup on Hwy. 63

A man is now charged with assault, accused of intentionally driving the wrong way on Highway 63 in south Columbia in late August, injuring two other people. According to police, Roger Dickey was driving southbound in the northbound lanes on Highway 63 August 28. At least five cars swerved to get out of his way until he crashed head-on with another car near the Discovery Parkway exit. At last check Wednesday afternoon, Dickey was still in University Hospital in good condition. Prosecutors have filed charges against him for second-degree assault.
According to documents ABC17 News obtained Wednesday, Dickey admitted to driving purposely the wrong way in an attempt to commit suicide. The probable cause statement indicates the driver of the car Dickey hit head-on suffered “severe and possibly disabling injuries.” Dickey was also arrested in Cole County back in May for DWI after leaving his car in gear with the engine running. It went across Capital Avenue and hit a parking garage on Monroe Street. He admitted that night he had taken four shots of alcohol earlier that day. He also said he was taking an antidepressant at that time.