WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – The SMART bus driver who fell asleep at the wheel and smashed into several cars has been sentenced to 93 days in jail.
Judge Kimberly Small said Monday 66-year-old Leon Rasheed showed gross negligence when he dozed off behind the wheel Oct. 21, 2014 on Maple Road between Middlebelt and Inkster roads in West Bloomfield.
"You said you were tired that day and unfit to drive," said Small.
Rasheed faced moving violation charges. Despite confessing on camera that he fell asleep, Rasheed had pleaded not guilty. He changed his plea to no contest on Monday.
Overall, eight vehicles were involved in the crash which was captured by cameras on the bus (watch below). Two people suffered serious injuries -- one a broken neck and the other a broken pelvis.
There are pending civil suits.
"I'm sorry. I will apologize. I pray for them every day," he said.
Rasheed was fired from SMART and has since retired.
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