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Man Gets 18-35 Years In Crash That Killed Cop

DETROIT (WWJ) - A 30-year-old New York man has been sentenced to 18 to 35 years in prison for striking and killing a Detroit police officer last summer in Greektown.

Saddam Mohsin was going the wrong way on a one way street and yelling obscenities at pedestrians when he struck Officer Charles Armour who was on foot patrol.

Amour's father, Rickey Armour, said his son always wanted to help others, and was probably trying to help Mohsin that night.

(WWJ Photo/Mike Campbell)

"His careless and reckless action took away a father's pride, a mother's joy," Rickey Armour said.

Defense attorney Leon Weiss said his client takes full responsibility, but was emotionally and psychologically broken down when he arrived from Buffalo to visit a cousin in Dearborn. And, when she took him to a mental health clinic the night before the accident, he was turned away.

Mohsin was remorseful as he addressed the court on Monday.  "I am a truthful, loving and honest citizen who had never hurt anyone in his life. Unfortunately for me that day happened and I regret it," Mohsin said. "I am very sorry for the tragedy that has affected both your family and mine."

Judge Gregory Bill noted Mohsin had abused drugs and alcohol and called the tragedy an isolated incident with signs that begged for therapy and treatment that went ignored.

Mohsin plead guilty to second degree murder and operating under the influence causing death.

Armour, a 16-year police veteran of the Detroit Police Department, died six days following the incident, stunning friends and colleagues who thought he was recovering from injuries not thought to be life-threatening.

"You hear the term 'Detroit's finest' a lot and Chuck is the epitome of Detroit's finest," said fellow officer Edward Lawson. "The city of Detroit really lost a treasure by what happened that night."

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