A drunken driver who seriously injured two of his passengers was sentenced Monday in Clark County Superior Court to more than 1½ years in prison.
Fisianty Bossi, 19, of Vancouver pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular assault in connection with a May 1 crash. One of his passengers, 17-year-old Jermaine J. Danis, is in a “persistent vegetative state” and is not expected to recover, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Kasey Vu said.
Vu said Danis breathes with the assistance of a ventilator and has been placed in a long-term care facility. Danis reportedly suffered severe head trauma as a result of the crash, plus fractures to his spine and ribs, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Superior Court.
Bossi’s defense attorney, Nick Wood, clarified that as part of his client’s plea deal, the prosecution cannot file a charge of vehicular homicide if Danis succumbs to his injuries. Vu agreed.
Bossi was driving a 2004 Pontiac west on MacArthur Boulevard near Devine Road about 3 a.m. May 1 when the car hit several trees and rocks in the median, crossed into eastbound lanes and rolled. The Pontiac came to rest on its top in the grass south of the street, according to court documents.
A second passenger, Billyboi Koichy, 20, of Vancouver, suffered abrasions and lacerations to his head, and pain and bruising to his right leg and shoulder, court records said.
All three of the youths are cousins.
“This is a very sad, tragic incident,” Vu said.
He said all three had been drinking prior to the crash. Bossi’s blood was tested about five hours later. He had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.098, which means it would have been about twice the legal limit at the time of the crash, Vu said. The state’s legal limit to drive is 0.08 or less.
Wood said Bossi is remorseful for his actions and now realizes he has an alcohol problem. He said Bossi wants to get help, adding that he is a “young kid who didn’t know his problems.”
“Hold him responsible. Allow him to atone for his serious actions,” Wood told Judge Scott Collier.
Bossi told Collier that he will remember the day of the crash for the rest of his life.
“I hope you do,” the judge replied.
Collier agreed to follow the attorneys’ recommendation of 20 months in prison and 18 months of community custody. Bossi was given credit for 86 days in custody. He will also have to pay restitution and be evaliuated and treated for alcohol abuse.
