Sacto 9-1-1

By Andy Furillo

A driver under the influence of methamphetamine and alcohol who ran a red light and killed an 87-year-old woman last year was sentenced today to seven years and eight months in state prison.

Clifton Dale Swick, 33, pleaded no contest Oct. 27 to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the Nov. 19, 2008, death of Mildred Coleman. The victim was a passenger in a car that was struck by Swick's vehicle at the intersection of Macready Avenue and Old Placerville Road near Mather Field.

Swick also pleaded no contest to a separate count of driving under the influence and causing an injury. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Laurie M. Earl imposed the term on Swick.

"Those who commit DUIs that result in death or serious injuries in Sacramento County should expect to be aggressively prosecuted and ultimatley held accountable for their actions," Deputy District Attorney Allison Dunham said in a press release.

Dunham is one of two prosecutors in the District Attorney's Office who work exclusive on DUI death and injury cases. The team is funded by California Office of Traffic Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grants.

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