Judge sentences Vancouver man to 13 months for drunken-driving crash that severely injured pedestrian
A Vancouver man was sentenced Wednesday to 13 months in prison for a 2025 drunken-driving crash that left a pedestrian with life-altering injuries, including the loss of his right arm and left hand.
Clark County Superior Court Judge Tsering Cornell sentenced Michael Adam Rhynehardt, 43, following his guilty pleas for vehicular assault while driving under the influence and hit-and-run resulting in injury.
Rhynehardt struck 46-year-old David Perez Miguel with his blue 1996 Ford Ranger on Nov. 26 in the 3300 block of East 18th Street. He subsequently backed over him and then fled the scene to his nearby apartment.
Police contacted Rhynehardt at his apartment and said he appeared intoxicated. He later admitted he had been driving and recently purchased alcohol. A receipt found outside the pickup showed Rhynehardt purchased a bottle of vodka and other items from the nearby Walmart minutes before the crash, court records state.
Rhynehardt declined to complete any physical field sobriety tests. He provided a preliminary breath sample but was unable to provide a full breath. That sample read 0.069. Another breath test taken about 5 1/2 hours after the crash measured 0.087 and 0.085. In Washington, a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 is considered evidence of drunken driving.
During Wednesday's hearing, prosecutors revealed the impact of the crash. Miguel currently resides in a care facility and faces hefty medical expenses.
A victim impact statement from Miguel's brother described the physical and financial toll the crash has taken on their family.
Cornell noted that Miguel's life has been "forever changed" by the incident, which she said extended beyond physical scarring to profound emotional trauma.
Rhynehardt offered a pained apology to the court, characterizing the event as a "terrible accident" and saying he never intended to cause harm.
As part of his sentence, Rhynehardt must complete a chemical dependency program and undergo rehabilitation for alcohol abuse. He was also ordered to pay restitution for Miguel's medical bills that Cornell called "astronomical."
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