Driver who crashed into officer get 3 years | News

THORNTON, Colo. – A 20-year-old man accused of crashing into and and seriously injuring a motorcycle officer while driving intoxicated, was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday.

In September of 2011, Officer Dougherty was on his motorcycle on I-25 when Fernando Malagon rear-ended him with his SUV, leaving him with a pelvic fracture, free fluid in the abdomen, substantial risk of death, and a long road to recovery.

Witnesses say Malagon was weaving in and out of traffic. His blood alcohol level was .138 at 9 a.m., about an hour after the crash.

“I can never take away the pain I’ve caused his family and mine,” Malagon said during his sentencing.  

Officer Dougherty and his family pushed for a harsh penalty on Malagon.

“Please don’t slap me in the face with a light sentence,” said Officer Dougherty.

His wife, Denise Dougherty, also pleaded with the judge saying, “I ask you to please not let this go lightly because the next time he is going to kill somebody.”

Malagon is being recommended for a youth rehabilitation program within the Department of Corrections.