An altercation landed one man in the intensive care unit and another in jail after authorities received a report that a man had been run over with a vehicle.
On Dec. 16, authorities were dispatched to a call about an altercation on Highway 9S after the caller, reported a male, Roger Martino, had been run over by a vehicle driven by 29-year-old Mose Swartzentruber after a physical altercation.
Swartzentruber then called 911 to report he had been attacked in the driveway by Martino and that he had left the scene but believed he had run someone over in the process.
When Deputy Dakota Mcgrew arrived, he placed Swartzentruber in custody for outstanding warrants.
Witnesses of the incident stated Swartzentruber had started a physical altercation with Martino, dragging Martino backwards while the vehicle was in reverse before speeding forward after hitting a tree and running over Martino with one of the tires across his pelvic area before fleeing the scene.
Swartzentruber stated he never hit Martino and was attacked while sitting in his truck. He also stated Martino had reached for a knife sitting in the door of Swartzentruber’s truck.
He then told authorities he was scared for his life and was trying to get away from the attack. He later stated in an interview he did not think he’d told anyone on the phone he believed he had run someone over, however; the 911 recording showed he had stated it.
Swartzentruber had marks on his chest, face and neck consistent with an altercation, Martino was transported to a Springfield Missouri hospital by helicopter where he was reported to be in ICU in critical condition.
Swartzentruber has been charged with aggravated assault, a class D felony; driving while intoxicated and driving on a suspended driver’s license.
Bond was set at $50,000.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
