CASSOPOLIS — With seven operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated offenses to his name, a Dowagiac man didn’t receive any leniency when facing sentencing for an eighth OWI.

“You’ve demonstrated you are a danger to other people in the community, especially when you get behind the wheel,” said Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge before sentencing David Coulson, 43, to a minimum of 30 months in prison Friday.

The court heard Coulson was driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.1 on Indian Lake Road in Dowagiac on July 19 when he rear-ended a vehicle in front of him that was attempting to turn. The vehicle Coulson struck contained three people, including two children.

Prior to sentencing, a female victim (the driver of the vehicle) told the judge her daughter sustained a head injury during the accident.

“My daughter can’t take driver’s ed and can’t participate in any school sports (because of the injury),” the female victim said.

When police arrived, Coulson ran into the woods and was later apprehended. He pleaded guilty Sept. 17 to OWI as a third offense and attempted resisting and obstructing a police officer.

“There’s no doubt he could’ve killed somebody,” said Tiffiny Vohwinkle, assistant prosecutor.

Sentencing guidelines for Coulson were 12 to 30 months.

“I was trying to get home; I never should have drove,” Coulson said. “I am so sorry for what happened.”

Coulson received credit for 114 days served and was ordered to pay $3,571 in restitution. His driver’s license was revoked.