Drunk Driver Sentenced for Fatal Army Soldier Crash

0:00The latest headlines, weather, and stories, right here on Anchorage News today. A 33-year-old woman from North Pole, Alaska, received a 22-year prison sentence this week for a drunk driving crash that killed Anne, Army soldier. The judge suspended five years, so she faces 17 years behind bars followed by seven years of probation. The incident happened on July 22, 2024, near Fort Wayne Wright. Brianna Lap was speeding southbound on the Steve's highway when she hit several vehicles, injured passengers, crashed through a fence, and slammed. Into a barrier in the gate guard, Tess showed her blood alcohol level at 0.343 percent and breast level at 0.29. Nine far above Alaska's 0.08, legal limit. Private first-class Arturo Gomez, a 29-year-old infantryman from Provo, Utah, died while on duty with the 11th Airborne Division. He was assigned to the first battalion, Fifth Infantry Regiment. The crash tore through traffic and left a big impact on the military community there.

1:03Under a plea deal, Lap admitted to manslaughter with an aggravating factor, one count of third-degree assault and driving under the influence. She got one year on each of those lesser charges. Originally, she faced second-degree murder and other serious counts from a grand jury in Diamond. Prosecutors pushed for vehicle forfeiture and long-term probation, which the judge approved, along with restitution payments. Officials expressed deep sympathy to Gomez's family and praised the teamwork from police, troopers, and army investigators in handling this tragic case. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. You know what is better than earbuds in bed. No earbuds at all. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com. Made in AI.