Eric Cross
RENO - A Silver Springs man was sentenced to up to 23 years in prison Friday for crashing a car he stole from Carson City into a Sparks rental home and landing on a sleeping couple.
Police say Eric Cross, 29, fled after the crash and left the car's engine running. A neighbor chased him and held him until police arrived.
The two University of Nevada, Reno students suffered burns and scrapes in the October incident. Authorities say both have suffered psychological damage.
The two were under the car for 40 minutes as rescuers worked to free them.
Washoe District Judge Janet Berry on Friday sentenced Cross on charges of home invasion, driving under the influence causing substantial bodily harm and destruction of property.
On Oct. 19, Cross was in Carson City when he argued with his married girlfriend over the state of their relationship, according to the Carson City Sheriff's Department. As the argument became heated, Cross allegedly snatched the woman's car keys and ran out. When she tried to stop him, he shoved her down and drove off in her car.
He then apparently drove to Sparks to confront the woman's husband and at some point decided to drive the car through the husband's house. But he drove through the wrong house, according to police.
Cross is eligible for parole after eight years.