A Concordia man faces two felony charges for allegedly stealing a vehicle and then leaving the scene of an accident after crashing the vehicle earlier this week in Lafayette County.
A probable-cause statement says Missouri Highway Patrol troopers responded to a report of a vehicle crash near exit 52 on I-70 on Monday, February 4. Upon arrival, troopers found the vehicle was unoccupied, but was informed by dispatch that the vehicle was reportedly stolen by 42-year-old Michael Schofield. Reportedly, Schofield was waving down traffic at the scene of the accident. Schofield was later apprehended by Higginsville Police officers after they responded to a disturbance at a residence within city limits.
Another probable-cause statement says Schofield reportedly was a passenger in the vehicle and became irate with the driver. He allegedly tried to wreak the vehicle by grabbing at the steering wheel which cause the driver to stop. Schofield reportedly took the keys from the victim and drove off.
Online court documents say Schofield has been charged with a Class D Felony for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree and a Class E Felony for Leaving the Scene of an Accident-Property Damage Exceeding $1000, as well as misdemeanors for assault and driving while revoked. Bond has been set at $20,000 cash or surety with special conditions.
An initial hearing for Schofield is pending at Lafayette County Circuit Court.