Janesville man sentenced in hit-and-run death

By GINA DUWE Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 5:42 p.m.

A Janesville man who struck and killed a motorcyclist in April was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday in Rock County Court.

Judge Richard Werner sentenced Omar Miguel Lopez, 24, of 2323 Mt. Zion Ave., Janesville, to five years in prison, five years on extended supervision and ordered him to pay $8,051 in restitution. Assistant District Attorney Katharine Buker said she expected Lopez would be deported after his prison sentence.

Lopez sped at about 50 mph on Mt. Zion Avenue on the afternoon of April 11, Buker said. He ran a red light and collided with Bradley Griffith, 45, Janesville, who was wearing a helmet and neon orange vest. Griffith died about a month later.

Lopez fled the scene and a witness followed him until police arrested Lopez.

Lopez pleaded guilty in October to felony hit-and-run resulting in death. In exchange, charges of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, causing death while driving with a revoked license and domestic battery were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.


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