Drunk driver in deadly East Beltline crash sentenced

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids man who pleaded no contest to the drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a New Mexico woman last year learned his sentence Wednesday.

Brian Parks pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated causing death in connection to a crash on East Beltline that claimed the life of 54-year-old Clarissa Duran.

Pleading no contest means that you accept conviction in the case but you don't admit guilt.

The judge sentenced him to no less than 36 months (3 years) to no more than 180 months (15 years). The minimum term is when parole is potentially granted.

Police say Parks crashed into a car back on Sept. 30, 2022, near Knapp Street and E Beltline.

Duran, who is from New Mexico died in the crash. Damage to the cars shows that Parks had rear-ended Duran, which caused her to lose control, roll over and eject her, ultimately killing her.

RELATED: Man, 20, found with empty liquor bottles in car after deadly East Beltline crash, police say

Witnesses told police that before the accident, Parks was driving recklessly, to the point where drivers had to pull off to the side of the road to avoid being hit, court documents say.

When officers arrived at the scene, Parks seemed confused and did not know where he was. Police said they found empty liquor bottles in his car.

A Preliminary Breath Test showed Parks had a 0.199 blood alcohol content level and Standardized Field Sobriety Tests indicated that he was drunk, the documents say.

Authorities said when they arrived at the scene, Parks was very combative with officers. Police found a large, empty bottle of vodka on Parks' dashboard, and vodka splashed all over the inside of his car. Another empty alcohol bottle was found under the seat.

RELATED: Alleged drunk driver in deadly East Beltline crash accused of assaulting corrections officer

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