Ozark man faces DWI felonies following crash that left two injured
According to court documents, Thomas Cooper, born 2000, faces charges of driving while intoxicated causing serious physical injury, a class D felony, and driving while intoxicated causing physical injury, a class E felony.
The probable cause statement said the crash occurred at 1:37 a.m. March 2, 2024, as Cooper was driving on U.S. 60 in a black Ford Bronco when he struck another eastbound vehicle, a black Nissan Rogue, from behind.
The Nissan struck a concrete median barrier after being hit by Cooper's vehicle. He was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed. Both vehicles came to a stop in the middle of the highway, according to the probable cause.
One occupant in the Nissan suffered serious injuries from the crash, including a large cut on her head that required stitches, as well as a concussion and sprained ligaments of the spine. The other occupant of the Nissan suffered injuries including hand, foot, and back pain, the statement said.
On scene, Cooper admitted to a Springfield Police Department officer he had consumed alcohol. Officers observed he had a faint odor of intoxicants coming from his breath. Additionally, he had bloodshot eyes and was wearing a paper bracelet consistent with those used at bars and clubs, per the statement.
A breath sample showed Cooper's blood alcohol content level was 0.183%, which was over the limit of 0.080%, according to the statement.
Cooper's open court bond is set at $7,500.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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