No plans to pull hit-run suspect's driver's license

Tue September 22 2009
Posted Sep 22, 2009
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By TOM ALEX September 23, 2009 There are no plans to pull the driver's license of a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run accident last month in Warren County. Paul "Jud" McKinney, 79, of Winterset is innocent until proven guilty, noted Scott Falb, a spokesman with the Iowa Department of Transportation. McKinney is accused of driving a truck that hit and killed bicyclist Mark Grgurich, 54, of Des Moines on Aug. 30 near Cumming. "You don't revoke a license unless you have something that is actionable," Falb said. Last week, both Falb and McKinney's sister said the Winterset man has vision problems, including being unable to see out of his left eye. Falb noted that McKinney passed his last eye exam and therefore is entitled to drive. McKinney was released Thursday on $7,500 bond, according to court records. He will be arraigned in Warren County District Court on Oct. 12. He has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and obstruction of prosecution by destruction of evidence. An official in the Warren County attorney's office said Monday that the office did not ask that the license be revoked, and that the issue is one usually dealt with by the DOT. Judge Kevin Parker, who will preside over the case, was unavailable for comment Tuesday. Iowa Department of Transportation records show McKinney's vision in his left eye is less than 20/100, and a sister said he has a condition known as macular degeneration. McKinney's license remains valid until it comes up for renewal in October, at which time another eye exam will be required. Falb said drivers typically have their licenses suspended or revoked for failing to pay traffic tickets, driving under the influence, being a habitual offender or driving really fast just one time, but a finding of guilt is required. Register staff writer Daniel P. Finney contributed to this article.