A Downingtown man will serve up to 8 years in prison for fleeing the scene after driving intoxicated and causing a crash last year in Lancaster County that seriously injured a woman.
Mark Harvey, 29, was illegally passing vehicles on Lincoln Highway East (Route 30) on June 6, 2018, when he struck a vehicle, causing that vehicle to overturn. The woman driving that vehicle sustained 22 broken bones and will likely be in therapy for the rest of her life.
Harvey fled the scene, leaving his crashed Mitsubishi behind. Police located him soon after; he smelled of alcohol and admitted to smoking marijuana “every hour of every day.”
In court Wednesday, Lancaster County Judge Howard Knisely sentenced Harvey to 2 to 8 years in prison.
Assistant District Attorney Jared Hinsey said that after June 6, 2018, the victim’s life as she knew it was effectively over. She will likely be in occupational therapy for the rest of her life.
The victim’s daughter, who spoke in court, said the date of the crash – also her birthday – was the worst day of her life.
Hinsey said the victim was an avid motorcycle rider, a passion she shared with her husband, but can no longer ride due to injuries from the crash.
She was a school bus driver and worked other part-time jobs, Hinsey said; she cannot drive anymore or work the other jobs.
She appeared in court, but did not speak.
Harvey, who has a prior DUI conviction, apologized.
Judge Knisely mentioned a letter Harvey wrote, to the victim, in which he says he made “one bad choice” in his 29 years: driving that day. The judge pointed out that Harvey has a prior DUI conviction and made a series of bad choices on the day of the crash.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper James Kozlik filed charges, including aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and hit and run.
Harvey also was ordered to pay nearly $44,000 in restitution.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright