A Kansas City man is appealing to the public for help after several parked cars were damaged in a hit-and-run incident in his residential neighborhood. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 7th, left the victim, a Washburn University student and father of a young child, without a reliable mode of transportation, just as he was preparing for finals week. The man is now desperately hoping that the person responsible for the wreckage will come forward.
Incident Description and Impact on Victim
The morning after the hit-and-run, the victim, identified as Schooley, was shocked to discover the extent of the damage to his vehicles. “I just looked at it and I was like, what can I do?” he recalled, describing the initial disbelief upon finding his cars severely damaged. Schooley, who had been preparing to go about his day as usual, was immediately thrown into the distressing reality that his primary vehicle and backup car were both destroyed. He found his Malibu with the trunk severed in half, and another vehicle was left completely unrecognizable.
The damage was not just to Schooley’s cars, but several others parked nearby. The incident appeared to be caused by a driver who struck the parked vehicles and then sped away without stopping to offer assistance or take responsibility. Schooley believes the vehicle that caused the damage hit his Malibu first and then sped through the area, damaging other cars as it went. “It wasn’t just my car they hit,” Schooley said. “They kept going.” The trail of destruction left behind remnants of a Chevy and Cadillac that had once been parked in the area.
Schooley’s Struggles and Personal Circumstances
The emotional toll of the hit-and-run incident was compounded by the fact that Schooley is a father to a young child and a law student at Western University. The timing of the incident, which occurred during finals week, made the situation even more difficult. “It made it really hard to get to school,” Schooley explained, as he found himself suddenly without a reliable means of transportation in the middle of a critical academic period.
The loss of his vehicles has created substantial challenges for Schooley, especially as he had been relying on them for important personal and medical appointments. Schooley is a kidney transplant recipient, and transportation is crucial for him to attend medical appointments and pick up his medications. Without a functioning vehicle, these essential tasks have become even more difficult to manage.
In addition to the inconvenience of losing his vehicles, Schooley expressed concern about the potential dangers that arise from a driver who would hit multiple parked cars and flee the scene. “If they didn’t stop this time, somebody could be in a car,” he said, acknowledging the risks that other people in the community might face if the responsible driver remains at large.
Seeking Justice and Information
The Kansas City Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident and is asking anyone with information to come forward. Authorities are seeking help from the public to identify the driver involved in the hit-and-run. They are particularly interested in information regarding a vehicle, which is described as being orange and possibly a Jeep Renegade.
In an effort to encourage those with knowledge of the incident to step forward, the police have appealed to the community for any leads. “If you have any information, contact the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department,” the report emphasized. The Department of Homeland Security has also expressed support for the ongoing investigation and is working in tandem with local authorities to ensure that justice is served.
The Road Ahead for Schooley
For Schooley, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty as he navigates the aftermath of this traumatic event. With both of his cars out of commission, he is left to figure out how to manage his daily responsibilities while also coping with the added stress of being without a vehicle during an already challenging period in his life. “It’s unfortunate, but once you get started, you get past it,” Schooley said, reflecting on the difficult circumstances he now faces. He remains hopeful that the person responsible for the damage will come forward and take responsibility for their actions.
As Schooley continues to deal with the fallout of this incident, he urges others in the community to be vigilant and report any relevant information that could assist in the investigation. For now, he remains without a reliable method of transportation, but is determined to keep moving forward, despite the setbacks he has encountered.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of hit-and-run accidents, particularly when they result in significant damage to personal property and disrupt the lives of innocent individuals. The impact on Schooley’s ability to attend school, manage his health, and care for his family has been profound. While the investigation continues, Schooley’s story highlights the importance of community involvement in helping bring the responsible party to justice and preventing further harm to others.
