No charges for drivers who hit people at Columbia protests

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Two drivers who collided with protesters during racial injustice protests last year in downtown Columbia will not be charged with any crimes, the Boone County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday.

Assistant prosecutor David Hansen said in a letter to Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt either driver intentionally injured the people hit June 1, 2020, during racial injustice protests, KMIZ-TV reported.

Hansen said both drivers were trying to lawfully proceed through the intersection when their cars were surrounded by demonstrators and the collisions occurred.

Hansen said he also did not intend to file charges against demonstrators who blocked vehicles during the protests.

"Some drivers made ill-advised decisions that evening when they encountered people in and near the intersection," Hansen said in the letter. "People who blocked streets and approached motor vehicles at the intersection also made ill-advised decisions to confront drivers who were lawfully traveling on the roadway."