Man, who was on probation, sentenced to prison after huffing air, crashing & injuring 3 others
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REXBURG — A local man who huffed compressed air from an air duster and injured three people in a violent car crash was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday.
Judge Gregory Moeller sentenced Alec Burnside, 21, to 10 years fixed and 10 years indeterminate. Moeller told Burnside one of the people he injured may never breathe on his own again – let alone walk.
“I’m sorry to the family, to him and the other victims,” Burnside said, adding that he has no excuses for his actions.
Burnside was behind the wheel of a 2008 Saturn Vue Nov. 20 when he veered across oncoming traffic lanes and slammed into a power pole at 75 North 2nd East.
He was on probation for a delivery of a controlled substance conviction in 2015 and a possession of a controlled substance in July of 2017 when the crash happened.
He was sent on a rider program in which he reportedly was not doing well.
“Every time I’ve sentenced you, I’ve noted your age,” Moeller said. “You’re still only 21.”
Moeller said Burnside’s track record shows he has a history of “blowing second chances.”
As part of the 20-year sentence, Burnside will serve 10 years (six fixed, four indeterminate) for the aggravated DUI. The other 10 years are for violating both of this probations. The sentences will be served consecutively.