Flint Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Hit and Run that Killed Teen

A Flint man who struck and killed a teen with a van while fleeing from police has been sentenced to life in prison.

According to WNEM, the judge went above the sentencing guidelines for Mark Blount. Blount had been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of 13-year-old Misty Kurmis.

In September 2011, federal agents had Blount under surveillance for drug connections when they called for a marked police vehicle to make a traffic stop. A Michigan State Police trooper arrived with lights and sirens on and Blount fled the scene at a high rate of speed when he struck Kurmis and continued on. Eyewitnesses told police that the van Blount was driving was travelling so fast that Kurmis was thrown over 100 feet in the air after being struck. Blount was later arrested after a short chase on foot when the van he was driving crashed after hitting the girl.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said Blount had smoked marijuana prior to driving and didn't have a license.

Blount took a plea deal in order to avoid a charge of second-degree murder which would have meant mandatory life in prison. He will be eligible for parole after 18 years.