Washington, D.C. – A 30-year-old Maryland man, Derek J. Green, has been sentenced to five years in prison for hitting a pedestrian with his car and then crashing through a house while he was under the influence of phencyclidine (“PCP”), U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor announced today.

Green received his sentence on September 29, 2008, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before the Honorable Harold L. Cushenberry, Jr. In July 2008, the defendant pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and felony destruction of property. In announcing the sentence, Judge Cushenberry stated that the sentence was meant to send a message not only to the defendant, but also to the entire District community that the legal system will not tolerate those who operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The government’s evidence established that on July 5, 2008, at approximately 9:40 p.m., the defendant was driving his car on Wheeler Road, SE, at more than 60 miles per hour, and while under the influence of PCP. As he approached the intersection of Wheeler Road and Alabama Avenue, the traffic light at the intersection turned red. The defendant did not stop and instead drove straight through the intersection, sending his car airborne as it hit the curb. A pedestrian on the sidewalk was hit by the car and carried on the hood as it flew through the air and ultimately crashed into the front wall of a home at 806 Alabama Avenue. Though the pedestrian miraculously survived, she suffered catastrophic injuries and may never walk again. The 83-year-old owner of the home has not been able to live in it since the accident.

In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Taylor expressed his appreciation to the Metropolitan Police Department, and particularly praised the work of Detective Sheryl Harley. U.S. Attorney Taylor also commended the work of Legal Assistant Baretta Francis and Victim/Witness Advocate James Brennan. Finally, he commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Tonolli, who prosecuted the case.