For further information please contact: Sergeant Julie A. Scerine
314/340-4028
#C010743
October 16, 2007

EMPHASIS: Highway Patrol Arrests Collinsville Man For Leaving The Scene


After a lengthy investigation, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers arrested a Collinsville, Illinois, man for felony leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
On October 10, 2007, at approximately 10:50 a.m., a fiery motor vehicle crash involving two tractor trailers and several passenger cars occurred on Interstate 270 near Clayton Road in St. Louis County. The first tractor-trailer involved, a light colored tractor pulling a low-boy empty trailer, left the scene of the crash. Troopers investigating the crash received statements from witnesses at the scene and collected evidence from surveillance video that led to the arrest of the driver of the tractor-trailer. The driver arrested was identified as Edmond W. Contestabile Jr, 53, of Collinsville, Illinois.
On Tuesday, October 16, 2007, Mr. Contestabile was arrested for felony leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident and transported to the St. Louis County Jail, where he was held pending the application of warrants from the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office.
The charges for which Contestabile was arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of his guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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