A San Antonio Police Officer who was speeding and responding to a low level shoplifting crime two years ago was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his actions. The now former officer was found guilty this week by a Bexar County jury of manslaughter and assault for a car wreck where it was reported that he was responding to a reported shoplifting at a speed in excess of 100 miles per hour when he crashed into a private citizens' vehicle and then struck and killed another San Antonio Police Officer who happened to be out in the area putting out warning flares. The former officer facing charges rejected a plea bargain offer of 10 years with the possibility of probation and fired his first lawyers to take his chances with the jury. The maximum range of punishment he was facing was twenty years, thus the district attorney had offered him one-half of the possible maximum to agree to a plea bargain without a trial. After hearing the evidence from both sides, the jury found him guilty and sentenced him to 15 years. Because there was a jury finding that he used his vehicle as a deadly weapon, he must serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Speed and distracted driving is the main reason for deaths and injuries on our roads. The common term "car accident" is in error. Car wrecks are only "accidents" when no-one or thing actions or conduct contributed to the wreck. As you can see, excessive speeds can even lead anyone to serious criminal charges including charges that one is using their vehicle as a deadly weapon.
