NEW BOSTON, Texas-A repeat DWI offender sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison is now a fugitive after failing to show for the second half of his trial.
Eric Darnell Jemison Jr., 32, was present Tuesday for jury selection in his felony DWI trial and for opening arguments and some testimony Wednesday morning before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell. Jemison, who was free on bond, did not return to court after lunch, but the trial continued.
Tidwell issued a warrant for Jemison's arrest Wednesday.
The jury found Jemison guilty and sentenced him to a maximum term. The punishment was enhanced from two to 10 years to a maximum of 20 because of Jemison's prior felony DWI convictions in Collin County, Texas, and in the state of Michigan.
According to court officials, Jemison turned down an offer from the state for shock probation, a sentence that could have meant only a six-month prison stay.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Jemison was drunk when he drove his car into the median on Interstate 30 near the 201 mile marker, flattening a tire and causing damage to the rear quarter panel. A portable breathalyzer administered at the scene registered Jemison's blood alcohol level as .081, above the .08 limit at which drivers are deemed too impaired to operate a car.
"We are grateful that our jury sent a clear message that endangering the lives of others on our roads is unacceptable," First Assistant District Attorney Mike Shepherd said.
Shepherd and Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter handled the prosecution. Jemison was represented by Shoaib Daredia of the Bowie County Public Defenders Office.
Anyone with information concerning Jemison's whereabouts is asked to contact police.