Trucker gets 8 years after admitting DUI

An Iowa truck driver was sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday after admitting he was under the influence of a half-dozen illegal or controlled narcotics last year when his semi smashed into an oncoming sport utility vehicle in Island Lake, killing a McHenry man behind the wheel.

Christian Johnson, 24, of West Des Moines, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated driving under the influence stemming from the Dec. 29 crash that claimed the life of Donald Jankowski, a 59-year-old grandfather.

Authorities say Johnson was driving his semitrailer truck east on Route 176 when he swerved into the westbound lane and struck six vehicles. Police said most of the collisions were glancing blows, but Jankowski's Ford Explorer, the fourth of the six to get hit, was struck so violently the driver's side door was torn off and caused his fatal injuries.

Blood and urine tests later showed Johnson was driving with traces of cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, marijuana and other drugs in his system, Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Mary Baccam said. Police searching his truck found cocaine and methamphetamine in the driver's area, she said.

Reading a statement on behalf of Jankowski's family, his daughter-in-law Kristen Worm described him as a doting husband and loving father whose passions in life were with friends and playing with his four granddaughters.

"He did everything for them," she said. "They were his life. They are still so young that I do not know if they will even remember him."

Johnson also read a statement in court, apologizing to Jankowski's family and saying he hoped to return to society as a productive citizen when finished with his prison term.

"I did not mean to harm anybody; I was just trying to get back on the highway and get home to Iowa," he said. "Not a day goes by that I don't regret what I have done and realize I made bad choices."

As part of Johnson's plea bargain, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a second count of aggravated driving under the influence as well as a reckless homicide charge and three drug possession charges. Under terms of the deal, Johnson must serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, meaning that even with time served since his arrest last year, he will not be eligible for parole for about six more years.