Man who led police on chase that resulted in Ariz news helicopters crash sentenced to 25 years

Man sentenced over deadly news helicopters crash

PHOENIX — A man who led authorities on a chase through midtown Phoenix which resulted in a deadly crash involving two news helicopters is headed to prison.

Christopher Jermaine Jones was sentenced to 25 years Friday after he pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated assault, which prosecutors say stem from trying to run down police officers while he was driving a stolen car.

Jones also pleaded guilty to auto theft, unlawful flight and failing to stay at an accident scene.

The helicopters crashed and burned July 27, 2007, as TV news crews covered a chase involving Jones, who had fled a traffic stop.

Killed were KNXV pilot-reporter Craig Smith and cameraman Rick Krolak, and KTVK pilot-reporter Scott Bowerbank and cameraman Jim Cox.