Friday, March 06, 2009

Officer William Skett Pleads Not Guilty to DUI

A 34-year-old Los Angeles Police Department officer pleaded not guilty to three felony counts this week for allegedly driving his Hummer over two people and leaving the scene of the crime.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kristi Lousteau ordered William Skett to return to court March 23 for preliminary hearings in the drunk-driving case.

Skett, 34, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence, DUI causing injury and leaving the scene, all felonies.

Skett allegedly backed his Hummer into a man and a woman in a Saugus parking lot. Skett saw the victims lying on the ground and allegedly fled, leaving his Hummer behind.

"Apparently he just backed over the people and left," sheriff's Lt. Tom Bryski said.

He said Skett was arrested at home after Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's deputies looked up the registration of the offending vehicle.

The woman hit by the Hummer suffered multiple broken ribs and collapsed lung. The man hit by the SUV suffered minor cuts and bruises.

Deputies found the abandoned Hummer on the night of the incident and arrested Skett at his home.

If convicted, Skett faces up to seven years and eight months in prison.

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