Camdenton man charged for drunk driving with six kids in the car

A Camden County man appeared in court Tuesday, charged with multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child after a weekend crash.

Matthew J. Richards, 34, of Camdenton was arrested Saturday night after he crashed a van into a tree on Mayfair Drive and then fled the scene.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Richards had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. Troopers say Richards had “bloodshot and watery eyes” and was clearly intoxicated.

Richards allegedly admitted to drinking “two beers” before the crash and troopers found a cooler containing alcohol in the car.

At the time of the crash, Richards had six children — between four and ten years of age — in the car.

One child, a 9-year-old girl, was transported to University Hospital with moderate injuries.

Richards has been charged with second-degree assault and six counts of endangering the welfare of a child.