Stillwater NewsPress

Local News

December 15, 2010

Driver who hit Stillwater bicyclist must pay $20,000 restitution

Driver pleads no contest in death of Stillwater bicyclist

By Anita Pere Stillwater NewsPress

STILLWATER, Okla. — A driver accused of hitting and killing a bicycle rider on State Highway 51 west of Stillwater earlier this year has pleaded no contest to negligent homicide.

James Michael Hazzard, 20, of Edmond, was charged in the death of Debra Miller of Stillwater. He pleaded no contest Tuesday in Payne County District Court.

Hazzard was driving a pickup truck west on S.H. 51 when he struck Miller, who was riding east on the westbound shoulder. Hazzard told Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers the truck drifted onto the shoulder when he adjusted his sunglasses.

Miller died at about 5 p.m. Aug. 15, about two hours after the collision.

Hazzard was not injured.

Blood samples taken after the wreck showed Hazzard was not intoxicated. Phone records showed he was not texting, District Attorney Rob Hudson said in September.

Special Judge Michael Stano deferred sentencing and judgment for one year, but required Hazzard to pay $20,000 in restitution by Jan. 3. The restitution will go to Miller’s family.

Hazzard must also pay $1,300 in court fines and complete an accident avoidance course, a life skills class and 100 community service hours.

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