Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Dec. 19, 2024) — Authorities are investigating an incident that occurred Wednesday night, Dec. 18, 2024, in which a Toyota Tacoma left the road and descended an embankment into the Fishing River in downtown Excelsior Springs, resulting in the arrest of a local elementary school assistant principal on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
According to Excelsior Springs Police, at approximately 7:30 p.m., multiple 911 calls reported that a vehicle had gone off the road near the Isley Boulevard Bridge, ending up in the waters of the Fishing River along Linear Trail Park. According to Excelsior Springs Police Lieutenant Ryan Dowdy, it’s unclear whether the driver veered off westbound Isley Boulevard or turned from Saratoga and descended the hill before crossing the walking trail and entering the water. “We don’t know exactly how he ended up down there. But the callers made it out like he was on Isley initially.” Dowdy said. “Long story short, he drove over the walking trail and down into the water.”
The map above shows the location of the incident. The vehicle was found under the north side of the Isley Blvd bridge.
Witnesses working at the Lane of Lights display, including parents and children from the Amigos soccer team, saw the truck as it topped the levee and slowly descended down the embankment into the river. Several parents rushed down to the riverside to make sure no one was seriously injured. They said the truck had become high-centered on the large rocks lining the bank below the bridge and described the driver as appearing “very intoxicated.” Officers arrived on the scene, helped the driver to safety, and placed him under arrest.
The Excelsior Springs Police Department has identified the driver as 38-year-old Luke Bryson Travis, the assistant principal of Lewis Elementary School in the Excelsior Springs School District. Travis, who has been with the district in various roles since 2015, was charged with driving while intoxicated. Lieutenant Dowdy confirmed that Travis consented to a blood alcohol test, and the results are pending. The case has been referred to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office for review, with final charges to be determined.
Travis had recently taken part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Lewis Elementary building and has been an active member of the school district. Any potential implications for his role within the district remain unclear as the investigation continues.
Deputy Superintendent Mark Bullimore released a statement Thursday afternoon addressing the situation: “The District was made aware of a developing matter involving a current employee. The conduct occurred off school property and did not involve students. Nonetheless, the District is investigating the incident, and District Board policies will guide next steps. The community is assured that student safety will remain at the forefront while navigating this matter.”
No injuries were reported, but parents working the Lane of Lights are counting their blessings. “What bothers me is we had kids on the sidewalk,” said one parent working at the Lane of Lights. “He’s just lucky someone didn’t get hit or killed.”
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