NBC affiliate in Bakersfield KGET reports that a woman convicted of felony DUI has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her role in a crash in 2021.
According to court documents, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on April 17, 2021, Michelle Rickman, 36, struck a motorcyclist at the intersection of Highway 58 and South Chester Avenue in Bakersfield.
Investigators say Rickman was traveling an estimated 70 miles per hour in her sedan when she rear-ended the motorcyclist. The biker was ejected from his vehicle and onto the pavement. A Good Samaritan rushed to the victim’s side and began performing CPR until paramedics arrived at the scene.
The motorcyclist was rushed to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The man remained in a coma for a month. Upon awakening, he discovered he was paralyzed and could only move his hand.
The victim died eight months later due to complications from the crash.
Police reports show that Rickman attempted to flee the scene but was followed by a police helicopter. Officers caught up with her and placed her under arrest.
Rickman was charged with felony DUI, DUI causing serious injury, two hit-and-run charges, and driving without a license and proof of insurance.
In November, Rickman entered a plea of no contest to the charges against her.
On Wednesday, May 10, a judge sentenced Rickman to serve eight years in California state prison.