Hays Man Sentenced for Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A Hays man who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase while under the influence of methamphetamine on March 17 was sentenced to 16 months in prison Monday.

Cody Armbrister, 30, was sentenced in Ellis County District Court to prison on one count of fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement.

Under a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to one count of fleeing and eluding.

Charges of aggravated assault, two other charges of fleeing and eluding, criminal damage to property, harassment, reckless driving and driving while license suspended were dropped.

Armbrister's attorney filed a motion to deviate from the sentencing schedule. He asked for a sentence of probation, which would allow Armbrister to participate in inpatient treatment for substance abuse and mental health.

During his address, Armbrister told the court that he was placed in foster care after his mother disappeared in 2004.

He said the trauma led to mental health issues and a drug addiction problem, for which he never had the opportunity to seek treatment.

“I want a chance to improve myself once and for all,” Armbrister said. “I'm asking for a chance to try to apply myself to treatment.”

He said: “I understand I ran, but I was under the influence of alcohol and struggling with mental health issues. I want a chance.”

“I’m 30 years old. I can’t keep coming here without dealing with my addiction.”

Judge Glenn Braun denied Armbrister's request for a waiver.

Armbrister has 16 prior convictions, including three felony convictions. That puts him at the top of the sentencing scale. Braun also noted that he reoffended just 10 months after being released from prison on another charge.

“The fact that you were under the influence of alcohol during a high-speed chase put all other law-abiding citizens at risk,” Braun said.

“I think we're about to see someone die,” he said. “It shows you have little respect for what you say is 'your' law.”

Braun said he was concerned by the number of absconding and escape cases the court has heard over the past two years, calling it an epidemic.

“It is time for you to face the consequences of your actions,” Braun said.

Armbrister was also sentenced to a 12-month period of post-release supervision.

Braun urged Armbrister, if he is serious about recovery, to seek treatment once he is released from prison.