Blind driver who killed friend takes plea deal

A legally blind Midvale man who ran over his friend with a car instead of his intended target during a large fight pleaded guilty to reduced charges of homicide by assault.

James C. Gonzales, 35, was originally charged with murder in the death of Bradley Johnson, 32, before reaching a plea agreement Friday.

Gonzales admitted causing Johnson's death during a fight last March.

Defense attorney Ronald Yengich said Johnson was holding a hatchet and facing off with another man with a hammer when Gonzales rammed Johnson with the car, apparently intent on hitting the other man.

After pleading guilty, an emotional Gonzales turned to the victim's family and said, "I just want to say, Brad was my friend and I'm sorry."

Yengich said his client did not start the fight and did not get involved until after he had been slapped and punched several times.

Yengich said his client's "real crime" was getting behind the wheel of a car in spite of his poor eyesight. Gonzales has a degenerative eye disease.