Repeat DUI Offender Possessing a Firearm Sentenced to Four Years in State Prison

Press Release

(Woodland, CA) - September 12, 2024 - On September 6, 2024, the Honorable Stephen L. Mock sentenced Harrison Thurman, 59, of Sacramento, to four years in state prison for driving under the influence of alcohol and felon in possession of a firearm.

On August 8, 2024, Thurman was convicted by a Yolo County jury of Driving at 0.08 or Above within Ten Years of Three or More Convictions; Possession of Firearm by Person Previously Convicted of a Felony; and Possession of Ammunition by Person Prohibited from Owning or Possessing a Firearm. The court also found that Thurman suffered a prior strike conviction in 2003 for Voluntary Manslaughter.

On the night of November 1, 2022, Thurman was contacted by Yolo County Sheriff's Deputies near Babel Slough. Deputies noted Mr. Thurman had a suspended license and told him not to drive. Nonetheless, as Deputies left the scene, they observed Mr. Thurman drive away. They watched him weave as he drove down Old River Road and stopped him after he rolled through a stop sign. Officers from the California Highway Patrol arrived on scene for a DUI investigation, noting several signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication. Mr. Thurman had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17, over twice the legal limit. Officers also found two loaded 9MM firearms with chambered rounds in Mr. Thurman's vehicle, both within arm's reach. Based upon a prior felony conviction, Thurman was prohibited from owning or possession a firearm.

This case was prosecuted by one of Yolo County's specialized Deputy District Attorneys who are working to stem impaired driving through prosecution, education, and community outreach. Under a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), these prosecutors provide training to law enforcement on identifying impaired drivers, educate members of the community about impaired driving, and do community outreach to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving. Yolo County's OTS program is one of the most progressive programs in the state, with a strong focus on education and prevention. These prosecutors teach at educational events and take an active role in preventing driving under the influence by engaging the community through high school trials, college outreach, and other community events.

District Attorney Jeff Reisig commented, "Our office will continue to not only be proactive in preventing DUI offenses but will also continue to prosecute these high-risk, repeat DUI offenders who gamble with the lives of others." Reisig continued, "Our grant prosecutors are not only educating our community about the dangers of driving under the influence to prevent these incidents, but they are also holding those who drive under the influence accountable."

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