Monday 13th October 2025

judge-gavel

A 28-year-old Warrensburg man has been charged with a felony in relation to a traffic crash in Saline County on August 25, 2019.

According to a probable-cause statement, there was a two-vehicle traffic crash on southbound U.S. Highway 65 at Route H (Boat Road). The investigation revealed the crash occurred when a Cobalt was traveling southbound on the highway and missed its turn onto Route H. The driver stopped the vehicle in the right lane of traffic, reversed in traffic and attempted to turn left. As the vehicle was traveling across both southbound lanes, a southbound Jeep Wrangler was unsuccessful in avoiding and struck the Cobalt in the rear driver’s side, forcing the Cobalt off the roadway.

Authorities say the driver of the Cobalt, Robert M Blithe Jr. smelled of alcohol. Both he and a passenger in his vehicle were transported to Fitzgibbon Hospital for treatment of injuries.

A warrant has been issued and Blithe has been charged with a Class D Felony for DWI-Serious Physical Injury and a driving-related misdemeanor and an infraction. Bond has been set at $7,500 cash or surety- 10-percent allowed.

Blithe’s initial hearing is pending at Saline County Circuit Court.