Man charged with DWI after wrong-way crash on I-70

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone County prosecutors charged a Columbia man Friday in connection with a DWI crash that injured two people.

According to a probable cause statement, Elmer Valencia-Chavez drove the wrong way on Interstate 70 and hit a vehicle on Jan. 19 around 7:45 p.m.

Investigators said two people inside of the vehicle were taken to the hospital. One of the victims reportedly complained of stomach pain and the other was unable to move his left arm.

Police said an officer smelled alcohol coming from Valencia-Chavez and saw three Bud Light bottles in his vehicle. Valencia-Chavez told the officer he drank about five beers, according to court documents.

Prosecutors charged Valencia-Chavez with two counts of DWI resulting in serious physical injury and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious physical injury.

Online court records show an initial arraignment hearing was held Friday afternoon where Valencia-Chavez waived formal arraignment and pleaded not guilty.

A case review was scheduled for April 7.