A West Plains resident has been charged with a felony for allegedly leaving the scene of a motor-vehicle traffic crash last week in Howard County.
A probable-cause statement says on April 11, authorities were notified that there was a one-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 124, east of Route A. The trooper was informed a black vehicle reportedly crashed into a barbed-wire fence and a Howard Electric utility pole and left the scene. The trooper identified the vehicle by matching the license plate, which was attached to the front bumper of the vehicle that was still at the scene.
According to online court documents, a warrant has been issued, and Russell Ellis Wiles, who is now 46, has been charged with a Class E Felony for Leaving the Scene of an Accident- Property Damage Exceeding $1,000. Bond has been set at $10,000 cash only.
Wiles’ initial appearance at Howard County Circuit Court is pending.