Though no charges were initially expected, 17-year-old Christopher Ransfer has  been charged in connection with a traffic fatality on Sept. 14 in St. Louis.

Ransfer is charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving while impaired by marijuana. He struck and fatally injured 83-year-old Lionel Speidel. Investigators believed Speidel stepped in front of the vehicle while crossing the road. He was taken to a local medical center where he, sadly, was pronounced dead within an hour.

Ransfer initially cooperated with police, staying behind to assist in the investigation. Police told reporters no charged were expected. However, since blood tests showed positive for marijuana, Ransfer has been charged. He is being held on $150,000 bond.

There is no immediate indication from the St. Louis Post Dispatch why a blood test was taken; probable cause is required to carry out this test, even if an accident has occurred. If Ransfer had refused the test, a warrant would have been required and supplied only after probable cause was determined.

Since initial investigations pointed to the fact Speidel may have stepped into the crosswalk in a dangerous manner, Ransfer may have a mitigated sentence. A pre-trial hearing has not been announced.