Missouri State Highway Patrol Archives

Every available Missouri state trooper is on the road and water this Memorial Day weekend (AUDIO)

May 21, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

You’ll notice extra Missouri state troopers on the road throughout the long Memorial Day weekend.

A Missouri state trooper clocks a motorist driving 115 miles-per-hour in April on eastbound I-44, near Highway 141 in Valley Park (photo courtesy of the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain John Hotz describes the holiday weekend as the unofficial start of the summer season.

“We know that a lot of people are ready to get out and enjoy the outdoors and travel is part of that,” Hotz says. “Again, we just urge people to be careful.”

During Missouri’s 2019 Memorial Day weekend, eight motorists were killed and another 433 suffered injuries in more than 1,000 traffic crashes.

Troopers are focusing this weekend on speeding, impaired drivers and seat belt use.

Every available trooper will be on the road throughout the weekend, enforcing traffic laws and also helping motorists. Captain Hotz says the Patrol is participating in Operation C.A.R.E., which stands for Crash Awareness Reduction Effort.

“There will be of course overtime projects, saturating areas that we know there is going to be a high number of traffic violations or traffic crashes,” says Hotz.

Troopers are especially concerned about speeding and increasing fatalities, despite traffic being down 50 percent in parts of Missouri because of COVID-19.

There have been 288 traffic fatalities statewide in 2020, compared to 271 at this time last year.

In April, at least three state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) trucks were struck by motorists, despite the falling traffic volumes. And state troopers also clocked a man driving 143 miles-per-hour on Highway 65 near west-central Missouri’s Sedalia in April.

Troopers will also be visible on lakes, rivers and streams this weekend. The Highway Patrol is assigning additional state troopers to the waterways.

Captain Hotz urges boaters to wear a life jacket, and to never ride with an impaired operator.

“We know particularly with COVID-19 and all the CDC guidelines on social distancing, we’ve seen a lot of people taking to their waterways to enjoy that,” Hotz says.

There were seven boating crashes during Missouri’s 2019 Memorial Day weekend. Those crashes killed two people and injured three.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain John Hotz, which was recorded on May 19, 2020:

Plane makes emergency landing on I-470 near Kansas City

May 19, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

A small twin-engine Beechcraft BE50 plane landed Tuesday afternoon on eastbound Interstate 470 in Lee’s Summit near Kansas City. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said no injuries were reported and the pilot told police he had to make an emergency landing.

Photo courtesy of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Twitter Page

“At approx. 2 p.m., a pilot was making his final approach to land at the Lee’s Summit airport when he experienced sudden engine failure in one of two engines,” the MSHP says on Twitter.

The incident caused traffic problems in the area for a while. KMBC-TV in Kansas City reports the plane was taken off the I-470 around 3:30 p.m.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

Southeast Missouri man indicted on federal hate crime and arson charges for mosque fire

May 12, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A federal grand jury in Cape Girardeau has indicted a southeast Missouri man for an alleged arson fire in April at the Islamic Center of Cape.

A federal grand jury in Cape Girardeau has indicted 42-year-old Nicholas Proffitt on three counts (April 2020 booking file photo courtesy of the Cape Girardeau Police Department)

The April 24th blaze caused significant damage to the Cape Girardeau mosque and destroyed several apartments above the Islamic Center, which is located in the 200 block of Northwest End Boulevard.

A federal grand jury has indicted 42-year-old Nicholas J. Proffitt on three counts, involving a hate crime and arson charges. The two-page indictment charges Proffitt with damaging religious property because of the property’s religious character, using fire to commit a federal felony and damaging a building used in interstate commerce, through the use of fire.

Proffitt is scheduled to appear in federal court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday at 11:45 a.m.

The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed on April 29. According to the criminal complaint, the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau’s video security system observed Proffitt throwing multiple objects through a glass window, causing it to break. Proffitt allegedly threw two containers into the center, through the broken window, and then is accused of splashing liquid inside the center and igniting it.

The FBI and Cape Girardeau Police investigated the blaze, along with numerous other agencies. They include the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office and the police department in southeast Missouri’s Perryville.

“The fact this fire damaged a place of worship during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is especially harmful,” FBI St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn said in a written statement in April. “Protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of color or creed, is one of the top priorities of the FBI.”

Jefferson City officer shot, suspect killed after chase

April 16, 2020 By Missourinet Contributor

A suspect is dead and a Jefferson City police is recovering from being shot in the chest after an overnight chase.

Jefferson City officer shot, suspect killed after chase

Investigators say two officers tried to pull over a wanted person at about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday near West McCarty and Hughes streets. The car took off through several Jefferson City streets.

The car eventually stopped and the two people inside ran into nearby woods. JCPD says one suspect started fighting the officers, shooting one of them in the chest. The other officer then shot and killed that suspect.

The injured officer was wearing a bulletproof vest and is in stable condition at a hospital as of early Thursday morning. Authorities found the second person from the car hiding in the woods.

The suspects names are unknown at this time. The Highway Patrol is investigating the shooting.

By Brad Tregnago of Missourinet affiliate KSSZ in Columbia

Missouri traffic fatalities up in 2020, despite large drop in traffic due to COVID-19 (AUDIO)

April 5, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

While passenger traffic in Missouri has plummeted due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Missouri state troopers say there’s been a three percent increase in traffic fatalities for the year.

A Missouri state trooper’s radar clocks a motorist driving 93 miles-per-hour in northern Missouri’s Troop B in March 2020 (photo courtesy of Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters)

Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain John Hotz says passenger traffic is down 47 percent statewide since March 13. Captain Hotz and the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) say passenger traffic in both the Kansas City and St. Louis areas is down 49 percent in the past month.

Click below to see the Highway Patrol report.

Traffic Changes due to COVID-19

“It is alarming when you see the significant reduction in traffic and yet we’re still having the same number of fatal crashes, or even a little bit more than what had we had last year,” Hotz says.

There have been 174 traffic fatalities statewide in 2020, compared to 168 at this time last year.

You’ll notice additional Missouri state troopers on the road, increasing enforcement to stop the rising number of traffic fatalities. Hotz says motorists driving 90-miles-per-hour is “unfortunately becoming commonplace.”

“Now we (the Highway Patrol) are practicing social distancing just like everyone else, but in the end we have a job to do,” says Hotz. “And if we have people that are out there endangering themselves or others, we’re going to take enforcement action on that.”

And he warns motorists that increasing speeds increases the likelihood of serious injuries or death.

“We know the faster that you’re going when you have a traffic crash, the more severe that crash is going to be. There’s just no way around it, we can’t cheat the laws of physics,” Hotz says.

Captain Hotz tells Missourinet that three MoDOT trucks have been struck by motorists in the past week, despite the falling traffic volumes.

There were 879 traffic fatalities in Missouri in 2019.

Click here to listen to the full five-minute interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain John Hotz, which was recorded on April 2, 2020:

Missouri House oversight committee to hear additional sports wagering bills this week

February 23, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A Missouri House oversight committee will hear testimony Tuesday in Jefferson City from the Budget Committee chairman on his proposal involving sports wagering.

Missouri House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith (left) and House Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, visit on the House floor in Jefferson City on May 9, 2019 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The House Special Committee on Government Oversight will hold a Tuesday afternoon hearing on the legislation from House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage.

Under Smith’s 15-page bill, all sports wagering would be conducted on Missouri’s 13’s licensed riverboat casinos, and on the internet.

Chairman Smith’s bill, House Bill 2284, would require the 13 casinos to come up with standards to detect and prevent compulsive gambling. It would also require the casinos to ensure that their surveillance system covers all areas where sports wagering is conducted.

Major League Baseball (MLB) representatives traveled to Jefferson City in November to testify before the Missouri House Special Interim Committee on Gaming. MLB representative Jeremy Kudon testified that Missourians would wager $5.5 billion annually on sports, if it’s legalized.

During his November testimony, Kudon predicted that Missouri casino operators would make about $376 million a year from that, and that Missouri would receive about $37 million annually in taxes.

Smith’s bill is different from a separate bill from State Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, who chaired the interim gaming committee.

The Shaul bill, which is waiting for House floor debate, would legalize sports wagering and slot machines. It would also allow them in “entertainment districts” such as Kansas City’s Power and Light District and the Ballpark Village area in downtown St. Louis.

The Smith bill doesn’t mention slot machines, which have been a controversial issue. The Missouri State Highway Patrol testified in October that the number of complaints it’s received about illegal gambling has increased from 39 in 2018 to at least 145 in 2019. Most of those complaints were about alleged illegal slot machines.

State Rep. Phil Christofanelli, R-St. Peters, has also filed a sports wagering bill. The Christofanelli bill will also be heard Tuesday afternoon by the oversight committee.

The Christofanelli bill is similar to the Shaul bill.

Presidents’ Day is a federal and Missouri holiday

February 15, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Monday is Washington’s Birthday, which is a federal, Missouri state and county holiday. It’s also known as Presidents’ Day. It’s celebrated and observed on the third Monday in February of each year.

Most federal, state and county offices are closed on Monday, with the exception of emergency services such as the Missouri State Highway Patrol and county sheriff’s departments.

County courthouses will be closed across the state. Banks and financial institutions will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery.

Washington’s Birthday is one of the 12 Missouri state holidays.

While Monday is a state holiday, the Missouri Legislature will be in session that afternoon in Jefferson City.

George Washington, one of the nation’s Founding Fathers, served as the first American President from 1789 to 1797.

Parson says grey area should be cleaned up in Missouri’s gambling laws

January 31, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Last October, the Missouri State Highway Patrol testified that the number of complaints it has received about illegal gambling has increased from 39 in 2018 to at least 145 in 2019. Most of those complaints were about alleged illegal slot machines. The terminals can be found in bars, restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores in Missouri.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson speaks to the Capitol Press Corps after being sworn-in as governor on June 1, 2018 in Jefferson City (file photo by Tim Bommel/UPI)

Gov. Mike Parson says the grey area needs to be cleaned up in Missouri’s gambling laws. During a press event in Jefferson City, Parson tells reporters he expects plenty of discussion this session by the state Legislature about the matter.

“You can’t just have people in there setting up slot machines all over the state with no guidance or no supervision,” says Parson.

During legislative hearings held last year about illegal gambling, the Missouri Lottery testified that illegal slot machines are hurting public education in the Show-Me State.

Meanwhile, Webster Groves resident Chris Marshall, who co-owns Llywelyn’s Pub testified in November before the House gaming committee. He said the machines can help managers invest money in restaurant renovations. He cites documents showing the average restaurant in Illinois that has five video game machines can average additional revenue of about $5,000 per month.

Under a proposal this session by State Representative Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, he wants to legalize sports wagering and slot machines. He’s proposing to let truck stops and fraternal organizations operate up to ten video lottery terminals at one location. Bars could operate up to five slot machines at one location.

This week, a Missouri House committee voted in favor of Shaul’s measure, House Bill 2088. It would also allow the gambling activities in “entertainment districts”, like the Power & Light District in Kansas City and Ballpark Village in St. Louis.

Schaul’s proposal is at odds with legislation introduced by Senate leader Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan. Schatz is proposing to increase penalties for what Schatz calls illegal slot machines. At the conclusion of last year’s regular session, Schatz said illegal gaming has exploded across Missouri in record numbers.

“Grey or black market or whatever type of games you want to call, those are everywhere across our state in every district,” Schatz said.

Under Senate Bill 557, a person or business and any affiliated company with a gaming license that is convicted of or pleads guilty to illegal gambling, would be permanently banned from being licensed in video lottery gaming. Any conviction for illegal gambling activity involving an illegal gambling device would result in the automatic and permanent revocation of a license issued under the Liquor Control Law, as well as any lottery game retailer license.

A Senate committee has voted in favor of Schatz’s bill. The measure awaits consideration by the full Senate.

Sports wagering bill is now heading to Missouri House floor

January 29, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Legislation that would legalize sports wagering and slot machines was approved by a Missouri House committee in Jefferson City on Tuesday.

State Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, speaks at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on August 22, 2019 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The comprehensive 31-page gaming bill, which is sponsored by State Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, will now head to the House floor.

The bill is House Bill 2088.

The House Special Committee on Government Oversight also voted to approve an amendment from Shaul, to allow sports wagering and slot machines in “entertainment districts.”

“What this does is basically allows (the) Power and Light District (in Kansas City) and also Ballpark Village areas to become an entertainment district so that they could also do sports betting and VLT’s,” Shaul testifies.

VLT’s, known as video lottery terminals, are slot machines. State Rep. Peter Meredith, D-St. Louis, asked about the amendment’s language.

“Are we sure that it’s limited to those two (Power and Light and Ballpark Village), with these definitions,” Meredith asks Shaul.

“I believe before this bill is done, they’ll be some expansion of that to some other players that will want to be involved,” Shaul responds.

Missourinet checked with Shaul’s office after the hearing, to confirm specifics about the language. Shaul’s office says Ballpark Village and Power and Light are examples of entertainment districts and possible locations for the sports betting and VLT’s.

The slot machine issue has been a high-profile issue at the Missouri Capitol, dominating discussion at several House interim gaming hearings in the fall. The Missouri State Highway Patrol testified in October that the number of complaints it’s received about illegal gambling has increased from 39 in 2018 to at least 145 in 2019. Most of those complaints were about slot machines.

Shaul’s legislation would allow the Missouri Lottery Commission to implement a system of video lottery game terminals and to issue licenses to video lottery game manufacturers, distributors, operators and handlers.

Under the Shaul bill, the video lottery terminals would be connected to a centralized computer system developed by the Lottery Commission. No terminal could be placed in operation without connecting to that system, under the bill.

The Shaul bill says that truck stops and fraternal organizations could operate up to ten video lottery terminals at one location. Bars could operate up to five slot machines, at one location.

It also prohibits those under 21 from playing the slot machines.

As for the overall bill, Shaul says 18 states will have implemented sports wagering, by the end of 2020. It will be heading to the House floor.

Representative Meredith says the legislation should go to a statewide vote, noting the Missouri Lottery’s creation and other major gaming issues went to voters.

“This would be the first major expansion of gambling in our state ever to not go to a vote of the people,” Meredith says. “The vote of the people who even have to vote to change the rules on bingo.”

Meredith is referring to a statewide vote in November 2018, involving bingo. His amendment was defeated in committee.

A Major League Baseball (MLB) representative testified before Shaul’s House committee in Jefferson City in November, predicting that Missourians will wager $5.5 billion annually on sports, if it’s legalized.

New Year’s highlights focus on Missouri areas with large number of impaired driving crashes (AUDIO)

December 31, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri state troopers will be visible on highways Tuesday and Wednesday for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traffic enforcement.

A Missouri state trooper on-duty in 2019 (file photo courtesy of Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Missouri State Highway Patrol Lieutenant Collin Stosberg describes impaired driving as the most preventable crime there is.

“We have a zero tolerance so we’ll have troopers and our other law enforcement partners out there arresting those impaired drivers, to make sure that everyone gets to their destination safely,” Stosberg says.

This year’s 30-hour New Year’s holiday counting period begins tonight at 6 and runs through 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Day. During last year’s 102-hour holiday counting period, 11 Missouri motorists were killed and another 447 suffered injuries in 1,301 traffic crashes.

“We’ll have troopers working all over, especially those areas that are known for a high number of impaired driving crashes and incidents,” says Stosberg.

This year’s counting period is 30-hours, because New Year’s Day is a Wednesday.

Lt. Stosberg encourages anyone who drinks alcohol to use a designated driver or to use a taxi or ride share service.

Troopers are also assisting motorists who run out of gas or need assistance for things like a flat tire. Anyone who faces a traffic emergency should call *55 on their cell phone.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Missouri State Highway Patrol Lieutenant Collin Stosberg, which was recorded on December 27, 2019: