GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gaston County judge sentenced a teenager to 17 years in prison Monday after he accepted a plea deal.
Dakota Sweat, 18, was behind the wheel when he led police on a three-county chase. Investigators say he and his passenger shot at a police officer and a deputy.
He was facing more than 200 years in prison if he was convicted on all of the charges, including five counts of attempted murder. His plea on Monday means he will get out prison when he is 35 years old.
Sweat admitted to driving a stolen car last November and nearly killing five people while trying to get away from police.
Police said codefendant Brandon Bridges fired shots at them and other drivers they passed.
The chase went from Stanley into Catawba County, where Sweat finally crashed.
When the judge offered Sweat the opportunity to speak Monday, he chose to stay silent.
His attorney did speak.
“He knows the mess he is in. He knows how serious these charges are,” said defense attorney Gus Anthony.
He said Sweat was influenced by his codefendant, Bridges.
“Talked him into doing something that night that was really stupid, that is going to cost him a significant portion of his life,” Anthony said.
He said Sweat never fired a shot.
The district attorney said that doesn't matter.
“Acting in concert. If one is driving and the other is shooting, then one is just as guilty as the other,” Locke Bell said.
Bridges will be in court later this week.
WSOC
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