CLEVELAND — 51-year-old Rolando Rodriguez of Avon Lake has been sentenced to five years behind bars after he recently pleaded guilty to charges connected to an incident from last year in which construction worker Richard Szymkowski was struck by a vehicle while working on I-90 in Westlake.
Rodriguez's license has also been suspended for five years upon his release, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Kathleen Ann Sutula announced during the hearing Wednesday morning.
RODRIGUEZ ADDRESSES THE COURT
Before the judge issued sentencing, Rodriguez offered a statement in which he apologized for his actions.
“I stand before you aware of the gravity and the actions and the consequences I have brought upon myself," Rodriguez said while apologizing to the victim and his family.
His apology continued...
“I have always strived to live a life of integrity, responsibility and it pains me deeply to find myself in this position," he continued. "I want to assure you that I have taken full responsibility for my actions, been honest and forthcoming through the legal process. I have cooperated fully with the law enforcement, and I have not attempted to evade accountability for my actions. Your Honor, I plead mercy and understanding as you consider my case. I cannot undo the past. I have committed to making amends and rebuilding my life in a positive direction. I have taken positive, proactive steps to address the underlying issues that contributed to my actions, seeking counseling, guidance and trying to become a better version of myself. I want to emphasize that I am not a threat to society. I do not have any intentions of causing harm to anyone or property.”
SZYMKOWSKI SPEAKS OUT
Szymkowski, the victim in the case, was also present in the courtroom where he discussed the impacts on his life, saying he spent four months in a wheelchair.
“It’s basically like sitting in your own prison inside the house and not being able to do any kind of task whatsoever," he said. "And then I was able to start walking, which that’s a task on its own because that’s definitely not easy. I still feel the repercussions of it."
He added that he hasn't been able to return to work "and do what I love to do because I can't really walk."
"I’m just here, I guess," Szymkowski continued. "I’m just mad that instead of stopping and take the time to accept responsibility for what happened, he left me for dead, basically.”
The defense said Rodriguez was not aware he had struck anybody “and did not purposely leave him behind to die.”
CASE HISTORY
Court records show Rodriguez pleaded guilty on Feb. 12 to aggravated vehicle assault and having physical control of a vehicle while under the influence.
The incident dates back to the morning of June 20, 2023, when authorities said Szymkowski was struck by a Toyota FJ Cruiser while setting up a work zone along I-90 West at Columbia Road.
Szymkowski was hospitalized with serious injuries. His friend previously told 3News those injuries included a skull fracture and broken legs.
Authorities said they tracked down the suspect's vehicle by using ODOT cameras and license plate readers.
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