Sparks Man Sentenced to Prison for DUI Hit-and-Run Crash

NEVADA – A Sparks man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 6 years, for his involvement in a hit-and-run crash last year that left a motorcyclist seriously injured. 33-year-old Michael O’Farrell was found guilty of DUI causing substantial bodily harm and leaving the scene of a crash involving personal injury following a weeklong jury trial in Washoe County District Court.

The incident occurred on May 27, 2022, near Pyramid and Holman Way in Sparks. When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered the victim, a 28-year-old man, with severe injuries including multiple fractures to his left leg and pelvis, a brain bleed, brain swelling, and abrasions. The investigation revealed that O’Farrell had been driving his truck, collided with the victim’s motorcycle, and fled the scene. Thanks to witnesses providing a description of O’Farrell’s truck, he was later apprehended and arrested.

During the trial, a toxicology report revealed that O’Farrell had a blood alcohol content of 0.20, significantly higher than the legal limit, an hour after the crash. Deputy District Attorney Brett Dieffenbach argued for consecutive counts and requested a sentence of 40 years, with parole eligibility after 16 years. Dieffenbach emphasized O’Farrell’s blatant disregard for the victim’s well-being and the long-lasting physical and cognitive challenges the victim continues to endure.

Credits: Fox Reno