A Mendon man is formally charged with alleged involuntary manslaughter for allegedly driving through barricades into floodwaters. Forty-six-year-old James Pleasant was arrested by State Troopers in Chariton County Tuesday evening and officially charged Wednesday. Court documents indicate on May 31st, Pleasant was westbound on Route M, with 33-year-old Alicia Meyers in the vehicle when he drove around barricades indicating the road was closed and into the rushing water. Pleasant’s vehicle was swept off the road and sank.
Pleasant escaped through the trunk, but Meyers, who is confined to a wheelchair, was trapped in the car and died. Officials recovered her body around noon Tuesday.
Pleasant is held at the Chariton County Jail with bond set at $50,000 cash only.
