Carthage man cited for felony DWI, armed criminal action for crash that killed DeeDee Bridgett

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed felony charges today in connection with the September 25 collision that killed DeeDee Bridgett, 43, Joplin.

A warrant was issued today for the arrest of Andrew James Brill (DOB 1979), Carthage with no bond on felony charges of driving while intoxicated- death of another, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

According to the probable cause statement, Brill was drunk while driving a motorcycle that collided with a Toyota SUV at East 44th Street and South Main. Bridgett was a passenger on the motorcycle.

The statement indicates Brill was carrying a loaded gun while intoxicated.

From the probable cause statement:

Andrew Brill was operating a 2012 Harley Davidson Road Glide about 77 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone, striking the rear of a Toyota 4runner, causing the Toyota to do a 360 turn in the roadway.

Vl was the passenger of the motorcycle and was ejected from the motorcycle during the crash. EMS advised that Brill smelled or intoxicants and was transported to Mercy Hospital. Fire personnel removed a loaded handgun from Brill's person before being placed in the ambulance. 

V2 advised that she observed the Harley going from lane to lane before striking the Toyota. I responded to Mercy Hospital where I contacted Brill, He said that he did not consume any alcohol and that he was coming from Club 609. I noticed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery and could smell intoxicants coming from his breath. I administered SFST's, where I observed 6 clues during Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. 

I read Brill implied consent, which he refused to provide a blood sample. I obtained a Search Warrant for the blood that was drawn and got a Subpoena for medical records. Once obtained, I served both to Mercy Hospital and seized the blood and sent it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime lab for blood analysis. I reviewed the Medical Records where I discovered that Brill's Blood Alcohol Content was 0.12. 

I believe that Brill operated a dangerous instrument (Motorcycle) in a careless and imprudent manner, while in an intoxicated condition, which resulted in death of a passenger on the motorcycle. After reviewing his criminal history, I located one DWI arrest from 2003, and one from 2023 that is still ongoing.