Tragedy in Jennings: Man in Wheelchair Killed, Suspects Flee Scene After Violent Crash
JENNINGS, Mo. — A tragic hit-and-run crash on Friday afternoon has left a community in mourning after a man in a wheelchair was struck and killed, and a van carrying children was hit in the aftermath. What followed was an appalling act—every occupant of the suspect vehicle fled the scene on foot, leaving behind chaos, injury, and heartbreak.
The crash occurred just before 4:00 p.m. on Lewis and Clark Boulevard near Jennings Station Road. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, the man, who was in a motorized wheelchair, had been traveling along the shoulder of the road when a southbound vehicle suddenly veered out of its lane and struck him.
After hitting the man, the same vehicle crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a van carrying one adult and six children. Authorities report that following the impact, all individuals inside the suspect vehicle jumped out and ran away, abandoning the vehicle and the victims at the scene.
First responders arrived quickly, but the man in the wheelchair was pronounced dead on the scene. The adult in the van and one of the children were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The other children, while shaken, were reportedly unharmed.
The identity of the deceased man has not yet been released, pending family notification.
The incident has since been taken over by the St. Louis County Bureau of Crimes Against Persons, who are actively investigating the case as a fatal hit-and-run involving multiple victims. Police are now urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects. Witnesses or anyone with surveillance or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the crash are asked to contact the department directly at 636-529-8210. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), with the possibility of a reward.
This tragedy has deeply unsettled the Jennings community, prompting renewed concerns over traffic safety, reckless driving, and accountability. Local residents have expressed grief and anger at the callousness of the hit-and-run, calling for swift justice for the victim and their family.
“This is heartbreaking on so many levels,” said one neighbor who witnessed the aftermath. “To strike someone so vulnerable and then just run away—it’s inhumane.”
As investigators continue to pursue leads, city and community leaders are urging calm and compassion for the families affected, while emphasizing the importance of cooperation with law enforcement in bringing those responsible to justice.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.