ST. LOUIS, MO  (October 14, 2026) — Cornell Sparks, 46, was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in prison for recklessly driving onto a sidewalk and striking a 67-year-old man before fleeing the scene in the City’s Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

A St. Louis jury found Sparks guilty in July of second-degree assault of a special victim, armed criminal action, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in physical injury.

On August 19, 2024, officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to the 5900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, where a 67-year-old man had been struck by a vehicle. During the investigation, detectives recovered surveillance video showing Sparks driving more than 40 miles per hour on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive before crossing into the opposite lane of traffic, driving onto the sidewalk, and running over the victim.

Sparks fled the scene without stopping. The victim suffered catastrophic injuries, including a fractured spine, brain bleeding, and severe lung injuries. He was in the ICU for three weeks and spent 10 days on life support.

“There is a point at which reckless driving becomes criminal conduct,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “When a driver’s choices demonstrate a reckless disregard for the safety of others, causing serious harm, that conduct demands more than being treated as an accident. When the evidence shows that line has been crossed, our office will prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”

Sparks has prior convictions for voluntary manslaughter, third-degree assault, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was sentenced as a prior and persistent offender.

Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, Violent Crime Unit Supervisor Adam Field, and Assistant Circuit Attorney Andrew Costello prosecuted the case.

The defendant’s case number is 2422-CR02506-01.