Driver In Custody Following Fatal Interstate Hit And Run

A tow truck driver on scene at a car-deer collision out side Gillette Sunday was struck and killed by a passing motorist on Interstate 90.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Steven Townsend says the motorist, 28 year old, Justin L Helsper, of Gillette  failed to stop after hitting the man. The victim 65 year old Larry G Schofield died at the scene.

"There was a trooper still on scene who was investigating the car-deer crash. He was able to radio ahead and another trooper stopped the run vehicle and that driver was taken into custody."

Townsend says Schofield, also of Gillette, had been standing on the driver’s side of his truck, around 8:30 pm, working the controls as he recovered the vehicle that had been damaged. All emergency lights were activated and there was plenty of space for Helsper to move to a further lane as Wyoming law requires.

Helsper failed to change lanes and struck Schofield killing him. Helsper faces charges of aggravated vehicular homicide.

Troopers investigating the crash believe alcohol is a contributing factor and are awaiting toxicology results.