Monroe City Man Arrested After Fleeing Scene of Crash

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SHELBINA, Mo. — A Monroe City man was arrested following an early morning crash on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, west of Shelbina.

According to a report from the Shelbina Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 1 a.m. to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on U.S. Highway 36, just west of Missouri Route 15. Upon arrival, the responding officer located a vehicle in the median with extensive damage, as well as a farm tractor and planter on the shoulder of the highway, also significantly damaged.

The driver of the farm equipment was uninjured, and the passenger vehicle was unoccupied. Authorities conducted an extensive search of the area but were initially unable to locate the driver of the abandoned vehicle.

Evidence collected at the scene led officers to a person of interest, who was later found at a local business near the crash site. The individual had visible injuries consistent with a motor vehicle accident and was transported by the Salt River Ambulance District to Hannibal Regional Hospital. After receiving medical treatment, the man was released into police custody.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Christian T. Pugh of Monroe City, was taken to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and held on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges.

A probable cause statement was submitted to the Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued by the Shelby County Associate Circuit Court. Pugh is charged with two Class E felonies: Driving While Revoked and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. He is being held at the Shelby County Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond.

Multiple agencies assisted Shelbina Police Department with the incident, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe City Police Department, Shelbina Fire Protection District, and Salt River Ambulance District.