Paralyzed officer says sentencing is beginning of next chapter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The man accused of hitting an IMPD officer’s squad car while drunk, will face three years behind bars.

The crash paralyzed Officer Santos Cortez.

Jerrel Watkins was sentenced Wednesday, receiving three years in jail and 180 hours of required community service. According to court records, Watkins, 27, of Indianapolis, pleaded guilty to two counts of operating while intoxicated and one count of failure to stop after an accident.

Cortez spoke to 24-Hour News 8 Wednesday evening, after the sentencing.

• ONLINE EXTRA | Watch Cortez's complete interview

“In a way I want to say I felt bad for him; I hope he gets the help he needs,” said Officer Cortez. “He took away my ability to work, he took away my ability to play with my children, my ability to do all the fun things fathers get to do with their children.”

It was June of 2012 when Cortez’ squad car was hit by Watkins. Watkins was trying to flee from police, before causing the accident that left Cortez with a part of his spinal cord crushed.

Cortez says Wednesday brings closure to one chapter of his life, but he’s determined to continue the fight – to one day, walk.

Cortez is focusing on rehab, currently.

“The accident isn’t what defines me. The ability to get back on the street, and show everyone I’m still here to protect and serve, that’s what will define me. That’s what is my ultimate goal.”

Cortez' squad car took the blow that another car may have taken if he wasn't there.

He says he wouldn't change what happened that day, adding, he was simply doing his job.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Rick Hite released the following statement Wednesday afternoon, after the sentencing:

"Our collective hearts go out to Officer Cortez and his family as this brings closure to a chapter in their lives!  We want to thank the Prosecutor's Office, the IMPD family, and the citizens at large for their continued support for seeking justice in this matter!"