Reward in hit-and-run that critically injured Laborers 110 member jumps to $31,000

Doug Hindle finally beginning to regain consciousness after May 18 incident

By SHERI GASSAWAY

Correspondent

(Updated 6/29) The reward for information leading to the arrest of a hit-and-run driver who nearly killed Laborers Local 110 member Doug Hindle has increased to $31,000 thanks to the solidarity of Laborers locals across the St. Louis area.

Shortly after the May 18 incident, Local 110 announced it was offering a $5,000 reward. The union recently donated another $20,000 to the pot, and Laborers’ locals 42 and 660 have both added $2,500. Additionally, St. Louis Regional Crimestoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information on the incident as it does for all felony cases.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Hindle, a 24-year member of the union set to retire June 1, was working on a paving project in the early morning hours of May 18 in Affton when he was struck and run over by a pick-up truck that fled the scene.

Hindle’s injuries included a ruptured aorta, fractures in his arms, legs, hands and ribs, a torn intestine, a broken pelvis, bruised kidneys, bleeding from the brain and second- and third-degree asphalt burns on much of his body.

REGAINING CONSCIOUSNESS

After being hospitalized in the trauma intensive care unit for over a month, Hindle, who has had eight surgeries, is finally regaining consciousness. He is still unable to speak but is responding to questions by shaking his head.

Hindle’s daughter, Sarah Lange, has been providing daily updates on her dad via a You Caring account (youcaring.com/kathyhindle-827878) she set up to help the family with expenses. So far, more than $5,000 has been raised.

Lange said she is still in shock that her father has survived the horrific incident and that he has made it this far. She thanked everyone for the prayers and positive vibes and said they have saved her father and helped the family.

“Every day he makes more and more improvements, and we couldn’t be happier,” Lange said. “Watching him shake his head to my mom when she talks with him and actually giving her a hug and not wanting her to leave… it is all awesome and wonderful. We prayed for this type of progress and we are seeing it a little over a month after his accident.”

POLICE STILL INVESTIGATING

St. Louis County police are still investigating the incident and are asking for your help in identifying the vehicle and person responsible.

The vehicle involved in the incident is described as a Chevy or GMC white extended cab pick-up truck. It has front end damage and may be missing a driver’s side headlight. The hit and run occurred at 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 18 near Heege Road and New Hampshire Avenue.

Anyone with information is urged to call the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.