CLEVELAND — A man who pleaded guilty to shooting a UPS driver in October while he was believed to be high on PCP was sentenced in the courtroom of Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court Judge Maureen Clancy on Monday.
Joel Parker, 42, shot the 55-year-old delivery driver in broad daylight in the 4800 block of Scovill Avenue in October, according to authorities. Parker pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, robbery, felonious assaults and having weapons under disability.
Judge Clancy gave Parker a consecutive sentence of a minimum of 20 years as well as a maximum of 25.5 years in prison.
Addressing the court, Parker apologized to the victim's family and his family.
"I do apologize for this situation I caused. I don’t remember none of it. I've been thinking about it for the last 90 days and hopefully they forgive me," he said.
Parker's lawyer said his client has "absolutely no memory" of the robbery and shooting because he was under the influence of PCP, a drug that he has struggled with for many years.
On Oct. 1, officials said Parker pointed a gun at the 55-year-old delivery driver and demanded money. After the victim handed him the money, Parker demanded more. That's when the victim locked himself in his truck and called 911.
Parker shot into the truck and struck the victim multiple times, according to court records.
After Parker threatened he would shoot again, the victim opened the door and gave him more money, according to court records. He fled the scene but was arrested by police a short time later.
The 55-year-old victim, who has been a driver for 30 years, spoke to the court during the sentencing, saying what hurts the most is the pain that his family is going through.
"That's what hurts. I feel worse about them than what actually happened to me. That's what I feel worse about. My wounds will heal. It was my children and family who had to make the 25-minute drive down to the hospital, not knowing what happened to me, only that I had been shot," the driver told the court.
Judge Clancy addressed the court and the seriousness of the crime and threat against the community.
"This crime has an impact on the safety and security of the community. You not only robbed him of his money but you shot him as well."
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