The Associated Press
ANOKA, Minn.- A Sioux Falls man accused of running down and killing a Minnesota police officer has pleaded guilty to two charges for causing the death of Lino Lakes police officer Shawn Silvera last year.
Twenty-seven-year-old Steven Stanke admitted using meth and being on a cell phone while fleeing police at more than 100 miles an hour in a stolen car when he hit the officer.
Stanke agreed to plead guilty to one count of fleeing police resulting in death and a second charge of fleeing resulting in bodily harm.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped a first-degree murder charge against Stanke.
He will serve at least 37 years and nine months in prison when he’s sentenced. That’s twice the term suggested by state guidelines.