NEW MADRID, Mo. • A southeast Missouri man told police his wife tried to attack him with a crucifix while they argued and he accidentally hit her with his car.

George Dawson Jr. 62, is charged with second-degree murder and driving while intoxicated as a persistent offender, KFVS-TV reports.

He was jailed on $150,000 bond.

Police were called Wednesday night after Jane Dawson, 59, was hit by a car. She died at the scene.

Police say Dawson told officers he and his wife were arguing and his wife tried to attack him with a crucifix while outside their home. Police say Dawson told them he drove away and accidentally ran over his wife in the process, then drove to his son's home.

Police say Dawson admitted drinking before fatally striking his wife.