The driver in a July crash in Prairie Village that left a construction worker dead will face a municipal citation but no criminal charges.
The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office this week declined to bring charges for the July 6 crash that resulted in the death of Michael Wayne Porter, of Kansas City, Kansas.
According to a news release from the Prairie Village Police Department on Wednesday, the case did not meet the statutory requirements for the DA’s office to charge it as involuntary manslaughter.
The driver will instead face a municipal traffic citation for inattentive driving, according to Prairie Village Police Capt. Josh Putthoff.
An SUV hit Porter on July 6
On Monday, July 6, an SUV hit Porter, who was working in Prairie Village along 79th Street at Ash Street.
Porter was immediately rushed to an area hospital in critical condition.
On July 16, Prairie Village police confirmed that Porter had died from his injuries.
The investigation at that time was still ongoing. Police said the driver of the SUV was cooperating with the investigation.
A GoFundMe meant to support Debby Porter, Michael’s widow, has raised $10,900 of its $12,000 goal as of Sept. 9.
“Mike was a devoted husband to Debby, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the GoFundMe summary reads. “As Debby begins to navigate the incredibly difficult days ahead, she is also facing the financial uncertainty that comes with the loss of Mike’s income.
“Every donation will go directly to Debby to assist with immediate living expenses, household costs, and other financial needs as she adjusts to life without Mike.”
The GoFundMe notes that a celebration of life for Porter is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, at Wyandotte County Lake Park, Shelter House 14.
DA’s office will not charge case as manslaughter
The police department sent the case to the district attorney’s office for review for whether the case could be charged as involuntary manslaughter, according to Prairie Village Police’s Wednesday press release.
The district attorney’s office declined to charge it as such, police said.
Now, the driver of the SUV is being issued a traffic citation, which will be handled by the city’s municipal court.
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