West Plains, MO. – A local doctor has received felony charges for leaving the scene of a crash that allegedly damaged a home in West Plains.
Dr. Clara Applegate is charged with a Class E Felony for Leaving Scene of Accident – Physical Injury. The charge, RSMo: 577.060, covers if someone was injured in the accident or if damage over $1,000 was done. The latter reason is the source of this charge.
According to the probable cause statement, on October 9, 2023, Dr. Applegate had left her Toyota Tacoma in drive after exiting the vehicle at West Plains Dental Group on Hull Street in West Plains. It is noted that there was a passenger in the vehicle at the time. The truck then left the parking lot westward through the grass, over US Highway 63, down the embankment on the other side of the roadway, and onto the property of 1801 Hoglen Drive, where it destroyed part of the fence and damaged the external A/C unit. Dr. Applegate is said to have run after the vehicle, got into the vehicle, and left the crash scene. She was later stopped by a West Plains Police officer.
Part of the truck was found at the site of the collision and returned to the vehicle owner. It was noted the vehicle had expired registration.
The accused was issued a summons on Wednesday and is to be in court on November 20th for her initial appearance.
