Trucker indicted for manslaughter for death of Boone County assistant fire chief arraigned

A trucker who’s been indicted for involuntary manslaughter for the December crash that killed a Boone County fire assistant chief pleaded not guilty Monday in Boone County Circuit Court.

64-year-old Kevin Brunson made his initial court appearance via video, telling Boone County Circuit Judge Brouck Jacobs that he did not have an attorney. Brunson was arraigned via video and apparently fell asleep during his brief court appearance, based on comments jail staff made to the judge.

Judge Jacobs says a public defender will be appointed for Brunson. Judge Jacobs read the charge in court to Brunson, noting an involuntary manslaughter conviction has a sentence of between three and ten years in state prison.

Missouri state troopers say an ambulance and Boone County Fire Protection District assistant chief Bryant Gladney’s vehicles had their emergency lights activated on December 22, when they were struck by Brunson’s tractor trailer. The Patrol’s crash report says the truck driver failed to slow.

The court has banned Brunson from operating any commercial motor vehicle.