Douglas County courts sentenced an Elbert County man on Monday to 25 years in prison for a DUI crash that seriously injured a family in April 2024, according to the 23rd Judicial District.

Chase Albert Lein, 32, of Elizabeth, was found guilty in 23rd Judicial District courts for driving under the influence and causing a near fatal crash in Parker.

On April 10, 2024, Lein ran a red light at Chambers Road and Main Street before crashing his truck into a Hyundai turning left at the intersection, according to the 23rd Judicial District and dashcam footage from the incident.

A 12-year-old child was ejected from the vehicle upon impact, sustaining a fractured skull, while his sister suffered severe spinal injuries, officials said.

Lien’s blood alcohol content level was four times more than the legal limit, according to authorities.

Diane Lampasona, the mother of the children also injured in the crash, offered Lein her forgiveness in court.

“I don’t think he’s a monster,” Lampasona said. “We all make mistakes in life, and we have to face the consequences. I pray for him.”

“The defendant chose to drink and drive in broad daylight and a young family nearly paid the ultimate price for his selfish actions,” Deputy DA Joe Ratner said in a news release. “There will be no tolerance for that in Douglas County.”

In his response, 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler condemned drunk driving.

“We cannot predict or protect our families from drunk drivers,” Brauchler said. “The only response society can have is to take away as much freedom as we can from those who hurt us while driving drunk.”