Crime & Safety

Driver Who Caused Lakeville Crash Sentenced to 5 Years

Over-corrected and crashed head on into another vehicle

The man who crashed into a young driver on Lakeville Highway this July will spend five years in prison after being convicted of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

Michael Scott Harmon, 41 was sentenced Monday for the July 2 death of a 17-year-old American Canyon boy who died when Harmon overcorrected his truck and struck the victim’s vehicle head-on.

Harmon, who was participating in a felony drug diversion program at the time, fled the scene. He turned himself in the following day after a friend threatened to phone the police.  Harmon later admitted that he was on his way to purchase methamphetamine when he accidently swerved and crossed into the oncoming lane.

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The 17-year-old boy, Jahzeel Dwayne Forsen, had just spent the day working at his grandparents’ restaurant in Sebastopol and was returning home.

“This case is another tragic reminder to drivers to exercise caution on the roadways and to remain present at the scene of a traffic collision,” said Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s mother and their family for the heartrending and preventable loss of this young man’s life.”

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