Man Gets Jail Time In Drunken Go-Cart Crash That Injured Girl
PONTIAC (WWJ/AP) - A Pontiac man who got in an accident last year while police say he was drunk driving a go-cart with a little girl inside will spend up to 10 years behind bars.
Thirty-five-year-old John Culvahouse was sentenced Thursday to one to 10 years after pleading no contest to a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing injury. He was given credit for the 189 days he has already served.
Investigators say Culvahouse was giving children rides in the go-cart during a birthday party last June. According to court testimony, Culvahouse was driving the go-cart with 6-year-old Sierra Thomason as his passenger, when it collided with a white Grand Am, the driver of which stopped but then left the scene once emergency workers arrived.
Thomason was hospitalized following the crash with broken legs and a fractured skull. Police say the go-cart didn't have headlights and both Culvahouse and Thomason were without helmets. Court records show that Culvahouse's blood alcohol level was .19, more than twice the legal limit in Michigan.
Culvahouse told The Oakland Press of Pontiac after the crash that he took a large portion of the blame.
The crash happened near Culvahouse's home. His injuries included a broken arm.
TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
