A Kansas City, Mo. man faces a trio of misdemeanor charges after he allegedly caused injury to another driver in a head-on collision near his home in unincorporated Platte County between Platte City and Parkville, Mo. Michael Yates, 25, allegedly fled the scene after the accident but was later located at his residence and booked on suspicion of DWI.
According to court documents, Yates was driving southbound on N Highway toward his home on NW Tiffany Park Rd. on Friday, Oct. 2 when he came around a curve, crossed into the northbound lane and struck a 2011 Kia Sportage. He allegedly attempted to assist the 19-year-old driver out of the vehicle before leaving the scene prior to emergency personnel’s arrival.
The accident occurred just before 10 p.m., according to court documents.
A Platte County Sheriff’s Office deputy located Yates at his home nearby where the defendant admitted to driving and drinking earlier in the night. A preliminary breath test came back positive for alcohol, and he was transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention. While there, he declined to provide a full breath sample and asked for an attorney.
According to a probable cause statement, Yates had a red mark from his left shoulder to his right waist consistent with being restrained in an accident by a seat belt.
The driver of the Sportage was also taken to a nearby hospital in stable, non-critical condition.
Yates remains free on $1,500 bond posted Monday, Oct. 5. He’s charged with misdemeanors of DWI as a prior offender due to a 2012 conviction in Platte City, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to maintain financial responsibility after a search of his vehicle turned up only expired insurance cards in his possession.