ALBANY - District Attorney P. David Soares Friday announced that Dennis Brodeur, 47, of Loudonville, was sentenced to 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison.

In July, Brodeur pled guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular assault, a felony and one count of misdemeanor DWI.

This is the first time that an individual has been indicted and convicted of the charge of aggravated vehicular assault in Albany County since the law was enacted in November of 2007.

“We often refer to DWI crashes as accidents, but they are not accidents at all. They are among the most preventable crimes that occur in our communities,” said Soares. “I continue to be truly amazed by the strength of the victim in this case and it is my hope that the conclusion of the court proceedings will help bring about the closure necessary for this young woman to continue with her life. She is truly an inspiration and I ask everyone to remember her story the next time you have a few drinks with dinner and think about driving home. Your choice can save a life, or land you in prison for the next decade.”

On February 2, 2008 at approximately 6:05 p.m. on Route 9, Loudonville Road in the City of Albany, Brodeur drove a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, while having a BAC of more than .18.

The vehicle crossed into the on-coming lane of traffic and collided with a vehicle operated by Kelly Flynn, 24, of Loudonville. The collision caused serious physical injury to Flynn, including a number of broken bones.

Brodeur failed to appear in court for a scheduled court date at the end of May and was subsequently found by the U.S. Marshalls in Florida.