BULLHEAD CITY – Driving another person’s vehicle without permission while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of a Bullhead City traffic accident will result in a prison sentence for a Marana man. Buddy Smith, 47, pleaded guilty Friday to leaving the scene of an accident involving injury.
Terms of the plea agreement will result in other convictions for unlawful use of means of transportation and driving under the influence of alcohol. Criminal damage charges are dismissed in the deal.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney Jonathan Robinson told Judge Doug Camacho that Smith borrowed without permission the vehicle that he crashed into the rear of another that was stopped at the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Hancock Road. Robinson said Smith multiple witnesses called the police department as Smith drove from the scene.
Smith reportedly was pulled over and arrested about a mile away on Marina Boulevard. Robinson said Smith’s his blood alcohol content was .2044, about 2.5-times the amount to drive legally in Arizona.
The agreement requires Judge Camacho to impose a 1.5-year prison term at a Feb. 24 sentencing hearing.
Dave Hawkins
