Man charged after hitting pedestrian at West County Mall

ST. LOUIS – A Florissant man faces several charges for hitting a person with his car in the parking lot of West County Mall.

According to the Des Peres Police department, on Oct. 8, Justin O. Gauda hit a victim with his car, causing him serious injury. He then fled the scene of the accident, but witnesses were able to provide officers with a vehicle description and Gauda's license plate number. Officers found the vehicle a short time later in Franklin County, and after attempting to stop him, he tried fleeing again. Eventually, spike strips were put down on the road, and he was arrested.

In a later interview with police, Gauda admitted to running over the victim with his car.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged Gauda with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and leaving the scene of an accident. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond.