Shooting, accident, drugs net prison

The man's father says he will help him when he is released from prison.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Fletcher Hudson Jr. is ready to get on with his life.
Hudson, 23, was sentenced Friday by Judge Dominick Motto of Lawrence County Common Pleas Court to eight months to four years in state prison.
The sentence stems from a plea agreement Hudson made with county prosecutors in June from a string of charges involving a shooting, a car accident and a drug arrest.
"I'm sorry for what I did. All I want is another opportunity," Hudson told the judge before sentencing.
Hudson's father, the Rev. Fletcher Hudson Sr., called the sentencing a blessing and said he hopes to help his son after he is released from state prison.
"I hope to get him a job and point him in the right direction," the Rev. Mr. Hudson said.
2000 shooting: Fletcher Hudson Jr. pleaded guilty June 18 to recklessly endangering another person and carrying a firearm without a license in a Feb. 13, 2000, shootout on Pine Street.
Another man, Carlos Thompson, is serving a six-to-12-year prison sentence in that matter.
According to prosecutors, Thompson shot and killed a third man, Will Matthews, during a dispute over $40. Hudson witnessed the shooting and pulled out a gun and started shooting at Thompson, injuring him in the stomach, they said.
Hudson's attorney David Acker said his client was concerned that Thompson would hurt more people and that is why he started shooting.
In exchange for Hudson's guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop charges of aggravated assault, attempted criminal homicide and discharging a firearm in the city.
Other charges: Hudson also pleaded guilty to charges of accidents involving death or injury and driving without a license in a March 7 car accident where there were several minor injuries to other drivers.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of delivery of crack cocaine in a March 30 arrest. Prosecutors said he tried to sell crack cocaine to an undercover police officer.
Mr. Hudson said when his son is released from prison he will move to Erie, Pa., where the reverend has a ministry and a small business.
"Hopefully, this will turn his life around," he said.