Richard Alan Norris II, 29, pleaded guilty Tuesday to hit-and-run resulting in great bodily injury.

The incident  occurred while Norris was texting and driving.  He was sentenced to five years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections by Circuit Court Judge DeAndrea G. Benjamin, according to the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard commented, “we are thankful to the dedicated members of the South Carolina Highway Patrol who are tasked with having to respond to traffic collisions where citizens suffer horrible injuries.  This should be a reminder that texting while driving is a hazard to our roadways.”

The incident took place Dec. 26, 2016, when Alexi Ramazon, 20, and Kanya Gidion, 19, were walking on a sidewalk adjacent to St. Andrews Road. A vehicle ran onto the sidewalk and struck both pedestrians.  The vehicle, driven by Norris, fled the scene after striking them.

Both pedestrians were transported to a local hospital.  Gidion suffered significant injuries, including skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury.  The incident has left Gideon partially handicapped, as he lost much of the use in his dominant arm and hand.

South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the scene and conducted the investigation of the case.  Their investigation led to the identity of Norris as the person driving the 2003 Mercedes at the time of the incident.

Norris admitted to his involvement in the collision, telling officers he was texting while driving.  He has prior convictions for shoplifting, burglary second degree, and possession of a controlled substance.