GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The man who severely injured a motorcyclist in a crash and left the scene last year has been sentenced.
The crash happened in September of 2023 on Division Avenue South near Plaster Creek. Police found a man who had been riding a motorcycle critically injured when they arrived on the scene.
The car that had caused the crash left the area before police arrived.
Justino Bautista, 25, was initially charged with operating under the influence causing a serious injury, reckless driving causing serious impairment and failure to stop at a scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death.
In February of 2023, Bautista entered a plea of no contest to operating under the influence causing a serious injury and failure to stop at a scene of an accident resulting in serious impairment or death in exchange for the third count to be dropped.
Bautista spoke in court during his sentencing, saying that the incident has been heart-wrenching for him.
"I am deeply sorry for what had happened," Bautista said.
He also claimed that he has not drank since the incident and that alcohol was the cause of the crash. Bautista said that he has completed an alcohol treatment program and is continuing to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Bautista was sentenced on the two counts Wednesday with an early release option if he completes sober living unit class. He is facing a year in jail with six days credit, followed by three years of probation.
The victim in the crash is said to be facing a long recovery.
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