As Jason L. Gilley, 56, Villa Ridge was walking on U. S. Highway 100 at Cromwell Drive, West of I-44, he was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle with an unknown driver.

The collision occurred at 3:10 a.m. Sunday, May 2. Gilley was transported to Mercy Washington where he was pronounced dead at 3:52 a.m. 

These facts were contained in a report filed by Tpr. N. A. Schuetz with Troop C of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help in finding the driver of the involved vehicle. They posted a photograph of a passenger side mirror found at the scene. They noted the mirror was believed to be from a truck, of an “unknown make model or color.” Anyone knowing of a vehicle missing such a mirror was asked to call the MSHP.

According to a story by Ethan Colbert with The Missourian, the plea paid off. Colbert reports that “an ‘acquaintance of Sitze’s,’ had learned of the patrol’s investigation via Twitter and reached out with information.”

The MSHP’s online arrest reports show James C. Sitze, 21, of Washington was arrested at 11:01 p.m. Sunday, May 2. He was initially charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in the death of another. The report further noted that he had been released from the Franklin County Jail. That is a Class D felony. 

Casenet, a online system of the Missouri Courts show Sitze was arraigned Monday May 3. His bond was set at $10,000 of which he paid 10 percent and was released. 

A bond appearance hearing for Sitze has been scheduled for Thursday, June 2 at 9 a.m.