Public safety bill signed last month makes stunt driving a crime
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
House Bill 495, which was signed into law by Gov. Mike Kehoe last month, could place people behind bars for participating in stunt driving.
According to Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson, the statue applies specifically to stunt driving in connection with a street takeover. Meaning, that the normal flow of traffic is blocked for the purpose of performing or watching stunt driving.
The law means it is now illegal to race, drag race, wheelie, burn out, do donuts or drift if it disrupts traffic on a public road.
Under the law, a person can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. However, repeat offenders -- or those who cause injuries -- could be charged with a E felony, according to Johnson.
That person could then face a punishment of up to four years in prison.
"It's important to note also that even before this statute, a lot of this conduct would violate various traffic laws, including careless and imprudent driving," Johnson said in a text to ABC 17 News Tuesday night.
Johnson also said if a person acts recklessly and seriously injures someone with their vehicle, they could face up to seven years in prison. If someone is killed, the consequences are enhanced.
Jadon Gooldy 20, of Columbia was arrested and charged with four felonies this week after allegedly shooting a gun at a racing event in south Columbia last Friday. He was charged with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action and misdemeanor fourth-degree assault.
According to court documents, witnesses say they gathered in the parking lot of ABC Supply on Maguire Boulevard for a racing event held by "Como Underground" around 11 p.m. Gooldy allegedly fired a shot near a person's head after he claims he heard a woman use a racial slur.
Shrapnel from the bullet ricocheted and hit another person in the leg, leaving a red mark, police say.
An ABC 17 News reporter saw black marks on the road of Maguire Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon that were consistent with tire marks.
According to Boone County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Knerr, there was no evidence Gooldy participated in the racing, so charges under the new law were not filed.
"As for other people present at the incident, I believe CPD is still investigating so it is possible more charges could be coming," Knerr wrote in an email to ABC 17 News.
According to Capt. Brian Leer of the Boone County Sheriff's Office, street racing has occurred in Columbia for years.
"Stunt driving and other reckless driving is inexcusable, and we will work hard to hold people accountable for that kind of conduct," Johnson said.
