One killed, two hurt in accidents

One man was fatally injured and two others hurt in separate accidents over the weekend on Southeast Missouri roads.

John Richie, 19, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., was killed late Friday when his vehicle slid out of control and hit a tree broadside. A passenger, Brandon L. Johnson, 17, also of Poplar Bluff received serious injuries from the accident. He was taken by ambulance to Three Rivers North Campus.

Richie was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:55 p.m. by Butler County Deputy Coroner Bruce Goin. The accident occurred at 9:13 p.m. at the intersection of Fifth and St. Mary's streets in the city, according to the report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Richie had eluded a Poplar Bluff police officer for a stop-sign violation just minutes before the accident, the report said.

A Sedgewickville, Mo., man also received injuries from an accident Saturday on Highway 72 just east of Patton, Mo.

Larry Heitman, 46, was driving eastbound on his motorcycle when he struck a deer. He was moderately injured and was taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital for treatment by private vehicle.

No citations were issued.