Michael Raines sentenced to 11 years for hitting pedestrian with cerebral palsy

A Wisconsin man was sentenced Tuesday to 11 years in prison for running over a 32‑year‑old woman with cerebral palsy in downtown Madison, then remaining in his pickup as a police cruiser struck her again less than a minute later. The driver, 45‑year‑old Michael J. Raines, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of reckless endangerment. The court said his actions showed a reckless disregard for human life.

The incident occurred on March 12, 2023, when the woman, identified as Maria Torres, stepped onto the crosswalk to retrieve a dropped bag. Raines, who was traveling north on State Street, failed to stop and struck her, leaving her unconscious on the pavement. Madison police arrived within seconds, but instead of securing the scene, an officer in a marked cruiser attempted to block the pickup and collided with Torres, causing further injuries. The double impact sparked a debate over police protocols for emergency response and the duty of drivers to render aid after an accident.

During sentencing, Raines told the judge he “should have just got out” of his truck after the first collision, but he remained seated, fearing a police pursuit. Prosecutors highlighted his failure to call 911, his attempt to flee, and his admission that he considered abandoning the vehicle. Torres survived but sustained a broken femur, a concussion, and a worsening of her cerebral palsy symptoms, according to her family’s statement. The state’s attorney’s office called the sentence a “clear message that reckless conduct that endangers vulnerable pedestrians will not be tolerated.”

Raines will be eligible for parole after serving two‑thirds of his term, and he has the right to appeal the conviction. The case has prompted Madison officials to review emergency‑vehicle procedures and to consider new legislation requiring drivers involved in pedestrian collisions to stop and render aid. Advocacy groups for people with disabilities are urging stricter penalties for hit‑and‑run offenses and better training for first responders to protect injured pedestrians on the scene.