News

Actions

Drugged driver in crash gets 5 years in prison

Posted
and last updated

LEBANON, Ohio -- The man who severely injured another man while driving high last year was sentenced to 60 months in prison Tuesday and will have his driver's license suspended for 10 years.

Marshall Dutton, 21, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular assault after barreling into Elliot Feltner last August. Dutton had been speeding up Interstate 75 at more than 100 mph while high before the crash.

Before the crash, authorities received multiple 911 calls about an erratic driver speeding and falling asleep at the wheel. Dutton was under the influence of several drugs at the time of the crash, including marijuana, cocaine, Xanax and morphine, according to toxicology reports. Authorities also found two straws containing ecstasy residue in his vehicle. 

When a trooper arrived at the scene, witnesses were holding Dutton down. They said he had tried to flee.

Feltner, 22, was revived from death twice before stabilizing. He will never be able to walk again. He will also never be able to eat again and will have a feeding tube for the rest of his life. 

 

Feltner has undergone two brain surgeries, three spinal surgeries and two throat surgeries. 

"Elliot has been a fighter, incredible throughout the whole process," his father, Craig Feltner said. "What I've seen them do at Miami Valley and at the Cray hospital, I don't see how he's been able to endure some of the procedures that he's gone through."

Dutton apologized during the hearing Tuesday.

"I am truly sorry," he said. "I know it won't be today or anytime soon, but I hope that one day you all will find it in your heart to forgive me. I made a terrible mistake that I will never be able to take back."