An Army soldier received a 5-year imprisonment sentence on Thursday, September 3rd, for injuring a pedestrian while driving under the influence. Judge Gary D. Hoff of the Superior Court of Fresno County, California, read the verdict to Kor Yeng Thao.

The man who has been out on bail was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing. Hoff said that while Thao served his country well and has no criminal history, they do not outweigh his actions on April 15th, 2019.

The judge added that the defendant did well and took responsibility by entering a plea, but he was also selfish and irresponsible. Prosecutor Steven Ueltzen said that the accident report showed that the crash happened around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of E. California and S. Cedar Avenues.

The prosecutor said that the Fresno Police revealed that Thao ran a stop sign and struck the victim, Jose Carlos Vaquez, as he crossed the street. The force of the collision threw the man through a cyclone fence into a field.

The defendant failed to remain at the scene or render aid. Passersby located Vasquez after they heard moaning coming from the field, and called 911. Medics took the man to the hospital, where he stayed for two months in a coma. He is now disabled permanently.

Officers followed a trail of car fluid from the scene and located Thao at his home. He told the police that he only struck a curb on his way home, but they linked him to the crash and placed him under arrest. Ueltzen said that by leaving the scene, the defendant failed to show responsibility and regard for human life.

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