Following a Clinton Police Department investigation into the March 13, 2025 crash at Missouri Highway 7 and Water Street, charges have been filed. Henry County Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray filed criminal charges against Seth Birch, 44, of Garden City, for assault in the second degree, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene, and armed criminal action.
According to the probable cause statement filed in the case, the Clinton Police Department responded to a crash at Missouri Highway 7 and Water Street in Clinton involving a motor vehicle and an individual on a motorized scooter. The individual on the scooter had obvious and significant injuries. The operator of the motor vehicle continued driving after the crash. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office shortly thereafter located the motor vehicle and apprehended Birch.
Additionally, the probable cause statement further states that officers made observations indicating that Birch was intoxicated.
Assault in the second degree for recklessly causing serious physical injury and driving while intoxicated causing serious physical injury are both class D felonies, which carry a range of punishment up to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Leaving the scene of a crash with physical injury, as a class E felony, carries a range of punishment of up to four years in prison. Armed criminal action for committing a felony while using a dangerous instrument carries a minimum of three years in prison.
Judge Harold Dump issued a warrant holding Birch without bond at the request of the Prosecuting Attorney.