A man has been charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter nearly one year after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a pickup truck at a busy intersection.
Curtis A. Harper is accused of failing to exercise the highest degree of care while driving through an area with significant pedestrian activity, according to prosecutors.
The charge stems from a fatal collision that occurred on June 5, 2025, at the intersection of East 31st Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City.
Police Responded to Fatal Morning Crash
Police officers were called to the intersection shortly after 9 a.m. following reports of a collision involving a pedestrian.
Investigators said the victim was crossing East 31st Street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck and run over by a white Ford F-250 pickup truck.
The vehicle was pulling a trailer carrying a mini excavator. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released additional information about the victim in the latest charging announcement.
Truck Was Turning Through Intersection
According to court records, dash-camera footage showed the pickup travelling south on Prospect Avenue before beginning a left turn.
The truck reportedly had a flashing yellow left-turn signal, which required the driver to yield before completing the manoeuvre.
Investigators said the pedestrian entered the intersection while the pedestrian signal displayed “do not walk.” However, prosecutors allege Harper still had a legal responsibility to operate the truck carefully and remain alert in an area where pedestrians were likely to be present.
The footage reportedly showed the truck slowing in the turn lane and waiting for traffic before continuing into the intersection.
Driver Said He Never Saw Pedestrian
Harper allegedly told investigators that he and three passengers were travelling to a job site when the crash occurred.
He reportedly said he was listening to directions from a GPS application on his phone and did not see the pedestrian before the collision.
According to the probable cause statement, Harper told officers that he heard people shouting shortly before the impact. He allegedly acknowledged striking the pedestrian but maintained that he had not noticed the person in the crosswalk.
Toxicology Results Included in Case
Court documents also state that Harper allegedly admitted using marijuana earlier that morning while denying that he had consumed alcohol.
Prosecutors said a later blood test produced a positive result for cannabinoids. The charging documents did not publicly explain the level detected or independently establish how it affected Harper’s driving at the time of the crash.
Investigators ultimately concluded that although the pedestrian had entered against the crossing signal, Harper allegedly failed to exercise sufficient care while operating the large truck and trailer.
Charge Carries Possible Prison Sentence
Harper faces one felony count of second-degree involuntary manslaughter. The offence carries a possible sentence of between one and four years in prison if he is convicted.
A judge set bond at $5,000 with a 10% payment requirement.
The criminal case will now proceed through the court system, where prosecutors will be required to prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charge follows a lengthy investigation into a crash that ended with a pedestrian losing his life in a marked crosswalk.
While authorities noted that the pedestrian entered against the signal, prosecutors allege the driver still failed to meet the required standard of care. Harper remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.