Donnie Mills’ blood alcohol content was two-and-a-half times over the legal limit when he kicked a cop in the face during a struggle on a gurney inside a Texas hospital.
The cop, who was trying to obtain a blood sample from Mills, was not injured but the act was caught on camera, resulting in a 99-year prison sentence for the 59-year-old man.
Prosecutors say Mills was deserving of the sentence because he has a long rap sheet for drugs, burglary, DWI and aggravated assault on a public servant. His latest conviction was for driving while intoxicated, assaulting a police officer and obstruction or retaliation.
“We are glad to know the citizens of Grayson County share our ZERO-tolerance policy regarding violence towards law enforcement,” District Attorney J. Brett Smith stated, according to the Herald Democrat.
If only jurors had that same zeal towards police violence against citizens.
Bell transported Mills to Texoma Medical Center to obtain a blood sample based on a search warrant. Mills eventually began cussing, resisting, and threatening the arresting officer and hospital staff. After being placed onto a bed for purposes of obtaining a blood sample, Mills called the officer a name and then lifted his leg and kicked the officer in the face.
Subsequent analysis of the defendant’s blood by the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory revealed his blood alcohol content was nearly two and a halftimes the legal limit. Evidence presented during the punishment phase of the trial showed Mills had a long criminal history with felony convictions beginning over thirty-five years ago.
Mills had previously been to prison for drugs, burglary, aggravated assault on a public servant, and felony DWI.
Mills had recently been released from parole for felony D.W.I, at the time he committed this offense. Assistant District Attorney Don Hoover, who prosecuted the case, said, “The behavior of this defendant was childish. He took a simple DWI arrest and brought it to a whole other level. The jury was not impressed with the way he acted that day.” District Attorney J. Brett Smith stated, “We are glad to know the citizens of Grayson County share our ZERO-tolerance policy regarding violence towards law enforcement.”
Denison police officer Chris Bell pulled Mills over for speeding on April 26 and smelled alcohol on his breath. Mills admitted to drinking earlier in the day and was arrested and transported to a hospital where he placed on the gurney.
