Arkansas Resident Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter While Driving Under the Influence and Eight Other Charges

11/24/2010
CONTACT INFO: Charles Branson Douglas County District Attorney 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today Zachary T. Harrison, a 23 year old resident of Arkansas, was charged in Douglas County District Court with Involuntary Manslaughter While Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, three counts of Aggravated Battery, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving the Death of a Person, Failure to Report an Accident, Following another Vehicle too Closely, Criminal Deprivation of Property and Failure to Report an Accident Involving Unattended Property. The charges are categorized as six felony charges, two misdemeanors and one traffic infraction. Depending on any prior criminal history, Mr. Harrison faces up to 172 months in prison for Count One, up to 136 months in prison for Count Two, up to 34 months in prison for Counts Three and Four, up to 17 months in prison for Counts Five and Six, a fine only for Count Seven, up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.00 for Count Eight and up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00 for Count Nine. The charges stem from the fatality crash that occurred early yesterday morning in the 1900 block of E. 1450 Road, which is Highway 24/59 north of Lawrence. Mr. Harrison's case was assigned to Division Two and his next hearing will be November 29 at 2:00 p.m. The Court set bond at $175,000.00 and appointed Mr. Jason Billam as counsel. The charges listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. -30-

Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright - Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com