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Man accused of crashing into Eureka restaurant charged with DWI, leaving scene of crash

The van took out part of the front wall and smashed into the bar.

EUREKA, Mo. – Three people were injured when a van backed into a restaurant in the 100 block of Hilltop Village Center March 27.

Around 9:30 p.m., a customer at Poor Richards restaurant and sports club had just picked up their take-out order when they backed a van through the front of the restaurant.

The van drove away but was caught a short time later by Eureka police. On Thursday, the man who police said was driving the van, 26-year-old Christopher Joseph Zotta, was charged with DWI and leaving the scene of an accident. His bond was set at $25,000.

Credit: Eureka PD
On Thursday, the man who police said was driving the van, 26-year-old Christopher Joseph Zotta, was charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a crash.

The van took out part of the front wall and smashed into the bar.

According to police, three people were injured “pretty badly” and were taken to the hospital.

Riverview police officer Keith Messmer was one of the victims injured. 

He underwent knee surgery on April 23.

Messmer remains off duty as he recovers from surgery.

His family has a GoFundMe page to help pay off hospital bills.

Fire officials said there was no structural damage, so the building will not be condemned.

No other details have been released.    

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