Columbia Police investigate single vehicle fatality crash on Oct. 20, one arrest made

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia Police officers were dispatched to a report of a single vehicle crash at 10:54 p.m. on Oct. 20 at North Stadium Boulevard (State Route E) near Blackfoot Road.

Vehicle(s) & Driver(s): 

Vehicle 1 2014 Subaru Impreza  

Driver 1 William Lalka, 28, Columbia, Missouri, Seatbelt, Minor Injuries 

Passenger 1 Celena Shearin, 26, Columbia, Missouri, 26, Seatbelt, Non-life threatening Injuries 

Passenger 2 Andrew Helmreich, 28, Columbia, Missouri, Seatbelt, Fatal Injuries 

Synopsis: The crash occurred as Vehicle 1 was traveling north on North Stadium Boulevard near Blackfoot Road.  Vehicle 1 left the roadway and went airborne and collided with several trees and a utility pole. Driver 1 suffered minor injuries. Passenger 1 suffered non-life threatening injuries. Passenger 2 suffered fatal injuries. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.  The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. 

The driver of the vehicle, Lalka, fled the scene on foot. An intense search was initiated with assistance from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and their K-9 unit, along with air support from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

Around 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 21, Lalka was located in the area of Iris Drive and Lilac Drive where he was taken into custody without incident. 

Lalka was arrested on the following charges:

• DWI - Involving the death of another
• Negligent Manslaughter 

Lalka was processed and is currently being detained in the Boone County Jail. The booking photo of Lalka is attached. Next of kin of the deceased has been notified. The investigation is open and active. 

Case number: 2018-011883