10 Years For Man Who Injured Cop

An Amityville man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday for causing a 2011 crash on the Southern State Parkway that severely injured a Nassau County Police officer, the Nassau District Attorney's office announced . 

Louie Blanton, 24, pleaded guilty in January to aggravated assault upon a police officer, second degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and third degree criminal possession of a weapon. 

The female officer, who remains unable to work, attempted to pull Blanton over just after noon on Nov. 21, 2011 after reports of a suspicious vehicle on North Pine Street in North Massapequa.

Blanton fled eastbound onto the Southern State, touching off a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, Blanton slammed on his brakes near the Route 110 exit in Farmingdale, forcing the patrol car to swerve and crash into a guard rail before being struck by another vehicle.

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“Assaults like this are a reminder of the danger that police officers willingly place themselves in every day,” Nassau DA Kathleen Rice said. “The severity of this crash and the violence inflicted upon this officer cannot be overstated, nor can her bravery and the quality of the police work that led to Louie Blanton’s capture.” 

Blanton on Feb. 29, 2012. He was sentenced Tuesday by Nassau Judge Jerald Carter.

The officer suffered a fractured spine, collapsed lung, fractured ribs and fractures to her sternum, collarbone, shoulder blade and nasal bone. 

"She is fortunate to be alive," Police Chief Steven Skrynecki said last March of the injured 20-year veteran of the Seventh Precinct. 

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