Britt Reid takes plea deal, convicted in DWI crash that left girl with traumatic injuries

(Courtesy KCTV)
(Courtesy KCTV)(KCTV)
Published: Sep. 12, 2022 at 10:43 AM CDT|Updated: Sep. 12, 2022 at 12:33 PM CDT
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Britt Reid, a former Chiefs coach and the son of Andy Reid, has pleaded guilty.

Reid, charged with DWI - causing serious physical injury, was involved in a crash on Feb. 4, 2021, that left 5-year-old Ariel Young with traumatic brain injuries. A 4-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

He took a plea deal with a maximum four-year sentence. KCTV5′s Angie Ricono reported the sentence could be 120 days in prison with the remainder of the time being served as probation if he qualifies for good behavior. It is possible and likely Reid and his legal team will ask for less.

Ariel Young’s family said they did not believe the plea deal was right. Mother Felicia Miller, who briefly let the judge know she did not approve, and other family members wore shirts with “Justice for Ariel” written on them.

Attorney Tom Porto, who represents the victims of the crash, released the following statement:

“The five victims of this crime are outraged the prosecuting attorney is not seeking the maximum sentence allowable by law. The defendant is a prior offender whose actions caused a five-year-old girl to be in a coma and seriously injured three others.”

Britt Reid apologized during Monday morning’s court appearance.

“I regret what I did. I made a huge mistake. I apologize to the family. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone,” he said.

Reid did not address where he drank alcohol the night of the crash. He said he was trying to merge between two semi trucks. Reid acknowledged that he was speeding and lighting was poor prior to the crash.

The former Chiefs coach said he called 911 after the crash. He did not address if he made other phone calls afterward.

The night of the crash, a Chevrolet Impala ran out of gas near I-435 and Stadium Drive. The driver called a relative, who pulled up to the scene to help. That’s when a Ram pickup truck struck both vehicles. Britt Reid was identified as the driver.

Following the crash, an officer reported that Reid smelled of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot. When asked if he had been drinking, the officer said Reid told him he had 2-3 drinks, and that he was on Adderall. According to court records, the officer conducted several sobriety tests and Reid showed signs of impairment.

Ariel suffered a traumatic brain injury and was hospitalized for weeks. In November, the girl’s family and the Chiefs announced they had reached a care plan for the child.

Reid underwent emergency surgery for a groin injury after the crash. The Chiefs placed Reid on administrative leave and his job with the team ended after his contract was allowed to expire.

This is not the first legal issue for Reid, who graduated from a drug treatment program in Pennsylvania in 2009 after a series of run-ins with law enforcement.

Reid’s sentencing hearing will take place on Oct. 28 at 1:30 p.m.