Driver who killed Independence bicyclist sentenced to 15 years

Today Wilfredo Pujols Jr., who killed 17-year-old bicyclist Christopher Cooper in a hit-and-run incident in November 2007, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Pujols was running from police officers. He ran through a red light, striking Cooper, who was crossing with the green. Pujols didn't stop and kept running from police, even though he saw Cooper's body strike his hood and windshield.

Today in court Pujols apologized profusely. The family and prosecutor were asking for a 20 year sentence and the judge handed down a 15 year sentence.

The family still has a civil case pending against Pujols, the city, police, and paramedics. In particular, many groups believe that police can handle chase situations in a way that allows them to apprehend perpetrators appropriately without inciting them to run and harm innocent bystanders.

• Previous coverage of this incident in MoBikeFed News.
  
  
• Cooper's family and friends remembered him during a walk on the one-year anniversary of his death.
  
  
• MoBikeFed's Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri envisions roads and streets that are safer for bicycling and walking, and that the principles of traffic justice apply to all road users, so that those who injure or kill through careless or dangerous driving receive appropriate penalties--to create an environment where safer driving and safer roads become the norm.