Driver found in hit-and-run accident involving bicyclist; no charges expected

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has found the driver of a red vehicle that struck a female bicyclist Monday on Route W in Cape Girardeau County.

The patrol's Sgt. Clark Parrott said Thursday the motorist, who drove off after the incident, told officers she did not know she had struck the bicyclist. "She said she thought she hit a deer," Parrott said.

He said the Cape Girardeau County prosecutor's office "does not anticipate" filing any charges in connection with the incident.

The name of the driver was not immediately released.

The bicyclist, Misty Pifer, 34, of Cape Girardeau suffered serious injuries. She was taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, the patrol said.

Parrott said he had no update on her condition Thursday.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Route W, 3 miles north of Cape Girardeau, the patrol said.