PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. — Almost three months after a 64-year-old grandfather was killed while helping his grandson whose car was disabled on the side of 152-Highway near I-435, charges have been filed against the driver prosecutors say caused the crash.
On Friday, Platte County prosecutors charged Anthony Battaglia, 29, with involuntary vehicular manslaughter for the death of Donald Rippy.
Prosecutors say tests show Battaglia had several substances in his blood, including amphetamine, when he hit Rippy and his grandson Parker Elgin, 17, as they sat inside Parker’s overheated car on the shoulder of 152 Highway near I-435 on Feb. 10 at about 10:15 p.m.
Blood tests did not indicate Battaglia had ethanol in his blood.
Rippy, Parker and Battaglia were taken to the hospital, where Rippy died about an hour later.
After the crash, Battaglia agreed to a breathalyzer test, but denied a request for a blood sample, saying he was afraid of needles. A court order was issued and Battaglia’s blood was drawn on Feb. 11, the day after the crash.
Additionally, police say Battaglia was traveling 78 miles per hour at the time of the impact. Electronic data from Battaglia’s vehicle showed he was traveling 82 mph prior to impact, according to authorities.
Prosecutors requested a bond of $50,000. The warrant issued for him also instructs that he is not to drive or consume alcohol or any controlled substances. At the time of the crash, Battaglia was driving on a suspended license in relation to an active case from October 2013.
Tune to FOX 4 News at 5 & 6 p.m. for more on this developing story.
