Joplin man killed in car-motorcycle crash; 17-year-old arrested for DWI, involuntary manslaughter

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On April 8th, 2023 officers with the Joplin Police Department responded to the area of 12th and Rangeline Road for a traffic crash involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. 

Prior to the crash, an officer observed a group of motorcycles northbound near 13th and Rangeline Road obeying traffic laws. A few moments later, the officer heard the impact from the crash and arrived on scene shortly thereafter. 

The motorcycle operator was in critical condition, and lifesaving measures were attempted. Personnel from the Joplin Fire Department and METS Ambulance Service responded and rendered aid and transported him to Mercy Hospital, where he later died of his injuries. 

The motorcycle operator has been identified as Charles F. Richardson, Jr., age 26, of Joplin. Next of kin has been notified. 

The Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team responded to the scene. Through further investigation, it was determined that Richardson was northbound on Rangeline Road operating a motorcycle. A passenger car, operated by a 17-year-old juvenile male, pulled onto Rangeline Road from the Conoco convenience store in front of the motorcycle, resulting in a collision. Richardson died of injuries sustained from the crash. 

It was found that the 17-year-old driver of the passenger vehicle was under the influence of Marijuana and was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Involuntary Manslaughter. He was released to the custody of the Jasper County Juvenile Detention Office. 

The crash investigation remains active and further updates may be released as information becomes available.