3 days ago
Springfield man charged with felony child endangerment after motorcycle crash
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A Springfield man has been charged with felonies after a motorcycle crash left a child with serious injuries last year.
According to court dockets filed Thursday, May 29, Jonathan Betz, born 1993, is charged with first-degree child endangerment causing serious physical injury, driving while intoxicated causing serious physical injury, and driving while intoxicated causing physical injury.
The probable cause statement says the incident occurred on Aug. 11, 2024, when Betz was driving a Yahama Virago motorcycle with a passenger victim who was 11 years old at the time of the incident.
The crash occurred on W. Mt. Vernon St. when a woman backed her Ford Mustang out of a driveway and into the street's eastbound lanes.
As the woman was stopped for a few seconds to change gears, she saw Betz approaching on his motorcycle, but was unable to shift gears and move out of the way in time because of how fast Betz' motorcycle was approaching.
Subsequently, Betz struck the woman's Mustang in the driver's side area.
Three witnesses told police they observed Betz speeding prior to the crash. Law enforcement obtained video surveillance that didn't show the crash, but captured video footage of the 11-year-old victim as she went airborne over the vehicle.
Following the crash, the 11-year-old was transported to a hospital. Medical records indicate she suffered a femur fracture requiring surgery, along with lacerations and a closed head injury.
The child required a wheelchair to get around for a time, and a month after the crash, she still required a walker to get around, according to the statement.
Betz was interviewed by police on Aug. 23, 2024, and he told police that prior to the crash, he and the victim were returning home after picking up pizza, which the victim was holding during the wreck.
Betz allegedly told police he had consumed a mixed alcoholic drink around one hour before the crash.
Medical records for Betz showed he suffered head trauma, multiple fractures, lacerations, abrasions and acute alcoholic intoxication. Toxicology reports showed he had a blood alcohol content level of .187 after being brought into the hospital from the crash.
A warrant has been issued for Betz' arrest.
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