Former Jefferson County Deputy charged after fatal accident in April

Colby McCreary. Photo courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

(Hillsboro, Festus) The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest and charges against former Deputy Colby McCreary stemming from the fatal traffic accident that injured Colby and took the life of his wife Savannah. The accident took place in the early morning hours on April 30th on southbound I-55 in Festus. The Festus Police Department investigated the accident and officers did not detect any signs of intoxication. Festus Police Chief Doug Wendel says his officers did their job well considering the circumstances unfolding with two badly injured persons.

After several days, Festus police received information about the crash that warranted reopening the case according to Chief Wendel.

Chief Wendel says the Highway Patrol is equipped with certain tools that can better help with crash recreation investigations.

Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak says it’s been a difficult time for the department considering the accident involved a now-former deputy and for the family.

Sheriff Marshak says as of Wednesday morning, he had not seen either of the accident reports, and he spoke with Festus Police Chief Doug Wendel about the situation last week.

Not knowing there was a driving while impaired situation, the Sheriff’s Office scheduled a fundraiser for the McCreary family as Colby and Savannah are parents of two young children. Sheriff Marshak says they had to make a difficult decision to cancel the event in light of the situation.

It’s alleged by Jefferson County Prosecuting attorney Trisha Stefanski that McCreary had a blood alcohol content of .17% or twice the legal limit at the time of the accident.

Colby McCreary was arrested and charged with one felony count of Driving While Intoxicated resulting in the death of another and one felony count of Involuntary Manslaughter. McCreary was booked Tuesday at the Jefferson County jail and was released on a $10,000 surety bond.

6-6-23 McCreary Charges News Release

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