Alcohol Suspected in Columbia Fatality Crash

A Columbia man is facing charges of Negligent Manslaughter after being arrested for yesterday (Sunday) in connection to a fatal crash that happened over the weekend.

According to Columbia Police a vehicle driven by 28 year old William Lalka went airborne on Saturday night in the area of North Stadium Boulevard and Blackfoot Road.

The vehicle collided with several trees and a utility pole that killed passenger in the car 28 year old Andrew Helmriech of Columbia.

A second passenger in the car had non-life threatening injuries.

Police say the driver Lalka left the scene on foot and after an intense search he was taken into custody yesterday (Sunday).

Authorities believe alcohol to be a contributing factor in the crash.

Lalka is currently being detained in the Boone County Jail.