SANTA ANA, California (AP) — A Southern California man who intentionally struck and badly injured a federal employee with his car has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison.
Geoffrey Rickner of Aliso Viejo was sentenced Monday for assault on a federal employee.
Prosecutors say Rickner had a years-long dispute with the Internal Revenue Service and had refused to pay taxes when he plowed his Mercedes-Benz into a crosswalk in front of the federal building in Laguna Niguel 3 ½ years ago.
Authorities say he deliberately hit a U.S. Customs and Border Protection employee who was crossing the street, then smashed through a garage door and hit a concrete wall in the building.
Jose Gutierrez had head injuries, broken ribs, internal bleeding and badly damaged legs. Authorities say he still has pain and physical problems.
