Drugged driver sentenced to 13 years for hitting runner

The man who hit local athlete Greg Phelps on a training run in Pewaukee has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for the crimes he committed that afternoon.

Mike Johnson reports that Thomas Brinkman, 22, pleaded guilty in June to charges of intoxicated use of a vehicle and possession of narcotic drugs. As part of a plea agreement, charges of reckless driving-causing great bodily harm, injury by use of a vehicle while under the influence of controlled substance and possession of cocaine were dismissed.

Brinkman struck Phelps, 45, on Nov. 28, while Phelps was running on a sidewalk along Capitol Drive in the Village of Pewaukee. The impact broke 14 bones in Phelps' body, lacerated his liver and caused significant bleeding in his brain.

After an arduous recovery, he ran his first post-crash race in July, and finished the 10K Summerfest Rock 'n' Sole in 1:06:42.

Two things motivated the Pewaukee resident to get back on the street: the opportunity to support the run's charity beneficiary, the Ronald McDonald House; and to share a message about the dangers of impaired driving.

"I'm excited about the experience and being a part of it," he said. "If my situation can help one person, out of the thousands that will be there, think a bit more clearly before they do drugs, drink or text while driving, then I feel my day is very well-spent."