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NILES — A Buchanan man was sentenced to prison for third offense drunk driving and resisting police Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Ryan Andre Harris, 46, of Buchanan, pleaded guilty to attempted resisting and obstructing police and third offense drunk driving and was sentenced to 18 months to five years in prison on the drunk driving charge and credit for 76 days served on the attempted resisting police charge. He must pay a total of $658 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred Nov. 13 in Buchanan. This was his fifth drunk driving conviction and his blood alcohol level in this incident was .29, more than three times the legal limit.

Koch noted that Harris’ blood alcohol level was very high and he posed a danger to the community. She said spending time in prison will give him time to address his substance abuse problem.

Defense attorney Shayne Williams said that Harris was employed previously and asked for a Swift & Sure probation sentence with the threat of a prison sentence if he violates. She noted that there had been a significant period of times between his convictions.

Harris said he took responsibility for his actions, saying that he had done a lot of irresponsible things in the past.

“I’ve finally accepted that I can’t drink,” he said. “I don’t have the fight in me to continue doing this, it’s not what I want for my life.”

“You need to stop making bad decisions including fighting with police officers,” Judge Hosbein said. “You also don’t get in a car and drive with a .29 blood alcohol level.”

“I will give people a huge break the first time they come before me, I believe in rehabilitation,” the judge added. “You’re saying you’re going to change and there’s no sign you will. The only thing left is retribution. I would be a foll to put you back on probation.”