On Jan. 4, Chico State student Cole Carpenter was sentenced to three years probation for striking a pedestrian while under the influence of alcohol, on the night of Oct. 22, 2022. 

The terms of Carpenter’s probation include a one-year suspension on his driver’s license and the inability to possess or consume alcohol for the duration of his probation.

Prior to his sentencing, on Oct. 26, 2022, Carpenter was facing up to three years in prison after pleading no contest to two felony DUI’s: DUI while impaired and with injury and DUI with over 0.08% BA with injury. 

Judicial Officer Jesus Rodriguez said that on account of Carpenter’s youthfulness, his lack of a prior criminal record  and the fact that the victim survived his two felonies are being reduced to misdemeanors. 

“I’m just happy she’s okay,” Carpenter said. He declined to comment any further. 

The v18-year-old victim was taken to Enloe Medical Center the night of the accident. Medical professionals determined she had a BAC content of 0.24% at the time she was struck by Carpenter’s vehicle.

“The hospital and her family are making arrangements for a long-term neuro-rehabilitation facility in the Santa Clara area when she is able to be medically discharged,” District Attorney Mike Ramsey wrote in a press release from November of last year. 

As of Nov. 8, 2022, she regained consciousness. Her current condition is unknown.

The incident occurred during an infamous two-week period where many students celebrate “Chicoween.”

The below video covers this case.
Molly Myers and Noah Herbst can be reached at [email protected]