No jail time for woman who struck 2 firefighters
Jessica Lanier had drank three beers before driving and hitting the men
Post & Courier
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — The woman accused of being intoxicated when she struck two Goose Creek firefighters with her car last year will not go to jail.
Jessica Lanier, 26, of Goose Creek stood before a judge Tuesday and pleaded no contest to a charge of driving under the influence. She had been charged with a more severe felony count, but prosecutors said the reduced charge was more appropriate for the offense.
A judge fined her $997, suspended her license for six months and ordered her to take part in an alcohol intervention program.
The Oct. 19, 2011, incident occurred while Goose Creek Fire Capt. Michael Althoff, 46, and firefighter Christopher Harrison, 32, were working a wreck on U.S. Highway 176, near the Walmart store.
Shortly after midnight, Lanier's car struck the two firefighters while heading west on the road, according to S.C. Highway Patrol Cpl. Bob Beres.
The impact broke Harrison's left ankle, according to a Goose Creek police report. Althoff tore a ligament in one of his knees, and the injury required extensive rehabilitation. He was unable to return to duty until February.
After the incident, Lanier told police she drank three beers in three hours that night, the police incident report stated.
Authorities initially charged Lanier with driving under the influence. Then, in January, state troopers upgraded the charge to felony DUI with great bodily injury. In September, however, the 9th Circuit Solicitor's Office knocked the charge back down to a DUI.
"In this case there was some injury to victim, but it didn't amount to statutory definition of great bodily injury. Without that, it is not a felony DUI and the appropriate charge was DUI," Assistant Solicitor Bryan Alfaro said.
Harrison and Althoff were at the hearing but didn't say anything in court. After the proceeding, Althoff would only say he believes "justice has been served."
Lanier and her attorney had no comment following the hearing.
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Mike Ledgerwood Thursday, November 15, 2012 2:40:43 PM This is outrageous. How is this not great bodily injury? You have 2 people who cannot work for months because of the criminal actions of another. This is why DUI's are such a problem in this country. I hope the firefighters decide to go after her Civilly. 
Denise Cole Thursday, November 15, 2012 4:41:57 PM Just plain wrong! I hope there is a civil lawsuit. 
Keith Jonas Thursday, November 15, 2012 6:24:38 PM Our job is dangerous enough. A little help in protecting those who help others would be appreciated. Pray for those who go into harms way to help others.
MarleNe NevahReady Thursday, November 15, 2012 5:09:05 PM That's just wrong if it was in California the charges would be different 
Dominick Walenczak Thursday, November 15, 2012 6:05:08 PM I'm sure they have laws against assaulting firefighters and EMTs on duty. And that was certainly assault with a deadly weapon: her car. 
Rod Gift Thursday, November 15, 2012 8:39:28 PM I'm sure they have laws against assaulting firefighters and EMTs on duty. And that was certainly assault with a deadly weapon: her car. But it sounds like the Jack Off's in York Co Penciltucky too. So in the mean time BLOCK IT with Engines or Tankers to keep your crews safe, and as soon as possable LEAVE it to donut holders to deal with it on the own. 
Micky Finn Thursday, November 15, 2012 9:00:13 PM Now, you see how the law does not protect firefighters? Scotts Law and all those are meaningless once in court. 
Donna Graham Hammond Thursday, November 15, 2012 9:18:23 PM Terrible, like the man said use a tanker, engine or equipment truck to block the road! If you have to, shut down the road! Stay safe! Maybe one day somebody will change the law. Hope it doesn't take someone getting killed. Not the fault of LEO, they don't make the laws. Believe me, been there when the injured were 2 of mine... 
Wayne Carroll Friday, November 16, 2012 5:23:38 AM Only thing I have to say is the people in that town/city should remember this come election time when the D.A. is running. Vote them out..... 
Robert Gift Tuesday, November 20, 2012 3:14:06 AM Prosecuters love to prosecute. There must be more to this, otherwise they would. Did the firefighters carelessly place themselves in harm's way, enabling themselves to be hit? She will be sued in civil court.
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