An Alabaster man has pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in a DUI crash that seriously injured a Pelham police officer in 2023.

Shaquille O’Neal Montgomery, 31, entered his guilty plea in Shelby County Monday.

Injured in the crash was Officer Elizabeth Minter.

Montgomery also pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a crash with injuries, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.

Circuit Judge Jonathan Spann sentenced Montgomery to 15 years in prison for assault, 10 years for leaving the scene and drug possession, and one year for marijuana possession.

“This case has deeply impacted our department, our city, and all who know and love Officer Minter,” police officials posted on social media.

“While today’s sentencing brings a sense of closure in the legal process, it does not erase the pain or the long road to recovery she continues to face.”

“We are incredibly proud of Officer Minter’s strength and resilience,” the post read. “Her dedication to serving our community, even in the face of adversity, continues to inspire us all. We remain committed to standing by her and her family every step of the way.”

Montgomery was booked into the Shelby County Jail following Monday’s court proceedings to await transfer to the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Minter was directing traffic around a crash at mile marker 242 on Interstate 65 southbound shortly after 12:30 a.m. July 1 when she was “knocked out of her boots” by a speeding vehicle.

Police said Montgomery ignored traffic control vests and emergency lights and was going about 80 mph.

Minter was quickly attended to by officers and firefighters and transported to UAB Hospital.

The mother of three needed multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy.

Before she was struck, Minter and two other officers were at the scene of a three-vehicle wreck caused by a driver going the wrong way on the interstate at a high speed.

Minter earlier this month filed a civil suit against Montgomery and a Hoover sports bar.

The suit alleges Montgomery had “become impaired through alcoholic beverages and other impairing substances” furnished to him at the business.