For Immediate Release
January 29, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced today Javier Garcia-Arellano is charged with a class B felony of Driving While Intoxicated resulting in death,* in connection with a fatal wrong-way crash, which occurred on I-70 on Tuesday, January 28.
According to court records, officers were dispatched to westbound I-70 west of Noland Road in Independence yesterday shortly after midnight on a crash with fatal injuries. The crash investigation revealed a Toyota Camry operated by the defendant was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of I-70 and struck a westbound Kia Optima head-on. After the collision, the Toyota continued traveling east where it was struck by a Freightliner tractor trailer and then collided with another vehicle.
The driver of the Kia died in the crash and the other two drivers sustained injuries.
The defendant told police he had been drinking alcoholic beverages that night into the early morning. Toxicology reports confirmed the defendant was driving under the influence of alcohol.
The defendant is in custody on a $150,000 bond.
*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.
Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com