CLEVELAND (WJW)-- A driver who crashed into a tow truck in Fairview Park, seriously injuring the tow truck driver and causing his leg to be amputated, was sentenced Wednesday afternoon to three years in prison.
Roy Hollingsworth, 36, of Cleveland, pleaded guilty in November to charges of aggravated vehicular assault, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and drug possession.
On March 18, 2019, Hollingsworth crashed his car head-on into a Patton’s Towing truck that was stopped on Lorain Avenue near West 204th Street while attempting to tow a vehicle.
As a result of the crash, the tow truck operator, Ronald Urbansky, 54, became pinned under the tow truck’s lowered bed and required surgery to have his leg amputated, according to investigators.
Hollingsworth was also seriously injured.
Besides the prison sentence, Hollingsworth's driver's license will be suspended for five years and he must pay a $1,075 fine and court costs.
Urbansky called the incident life-changing and pleaded for it to be a warning to other drivers, especially this St. Patrick’s Day, one year after the crash. He said he faces more surgeries.
“Three years is a long time. Should be a cautionary tale. Really, just call for an Uber,” he said. “Saint Patrick's Day is right around the corner. Please, let's not run people over.”
Investigators said Hollingsworth was drunk and had cocaine in his system when he crossed the center line just before 4 a.m. while traveling 62 miles per hour in a 35 miles per hour zone, crashing into the tow truck without braking.
He was previously convicted for DUI in 2007.
“This experience has been a nightmare for everybody involved from the beginning. To say that I deeply regret my irresponsible actions is an understatement,” Hollingsworth said.
He apologized to Urbansky and said he hopes he can somehow prevent others from driving while under the influence.
“I never meant to hurt Mr. Urbansky, and this is the worst thing I've ever had to deal with in my life,” Hollingsworth said, turning to look at Urbansky. “I just want to be able to look you in the eyes like a man and tell you that I'm sorry, and I never meant for anything like this to happen.”
Hollingsworth was in a wheelchair and had several surgeries for leg injuries from the crash, according to his attorney. He sought to have his prison term delayed to allow for continued medical care by his doctors, but Judge Deborah Turner declined that request.