February 26th, 2026 Local News
Bollinger Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Trooper Orrin Hawkins of Troop E has been named the Department of Public Safety’s Sworn Team Member of the Month for February 2026, recognized for his initiative and thorough investigation into a deadly crash in Bollinger County.
The crash happened June 13, 2025, along Highway 34, when a 17-year-old driver crossed the centerline and struck another vehicle head-on. A 14-year-old passenger in the driver’s vehicle was killed.
Initial assessments at the scene, along with data from the vehicle’s event data recorder, indicated there was no steering or braking immediately before impact. The driver claimed he swerved to avoid another vehicle that had crossed into his lane.
Trooper Hawkins obtained a search warrant and, working with a forensic technician, discovered numerous Snapchat photos taken by the driver moments before the crash. Investigators linked the images to timed geolocation coordinates and recreated photographs of the crash scene to match the views found on the suspect’s phone. The investigation also disproved the driver’s claim that the passenger had taken the photos.
As a result of the investigation, the 17-year-old driver was certified as an adult to stand trial for manslaughter and for violating provisions of Siddens Bening Hands Free Law involving the death of another person.