An Ohio bar owner has been sentenced to prison after a drunk-driving crash left a young girl with life-changing injuries.
Maximum Sentence Imposed
Jeffrey Atkinson, 57, was sentenced to seven years in prison and received a 10-year driver’s license suspension for a 2024 hit-and-run crash in Dayton.
He previously pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular assault, child endangerment, operating a vehicle while impaired, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Girl Lost Part of Her Leg
Authorities said Atkinson struck 9-year-old Ashley Escalante while she was riding her bicycle through a crosswalk.
The child was dragged for several blocks behind Atkinson’s Hummer, suffering catastrophic injuries that resulted in the loss of her left leg below the knee.
Driver Admitted He Was Drunk
Police said Atkinson had a blood alcohol level of 0.34, more than four times the legal limit.
Body camera footage showed him admitting he was intoxicated when officers confronted him after the crash.
Victim Speaks in Court
During sentencing, Ashley told the court she forgave Atkinson but described how the crash permanently changed her life.
The judge imposed the maximum prison sentence allowed under the plea agreement.
