Virginia Beach man sentenced to five years for alleged racially-motivated hit and run that hospitalized chef

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A judge issued a five-year sentence to a Virginia Beach man who hospitalized a Norfolk chef in a hit-and-run incident from 2023, a case that stemmed from allegations of racial slurs. 

In September 2023, Grant Hensley struck Elliott Boddie in the parking lot outside of Stooges Bar and Grill off Timberlake Drive in Virginia Beach. The crash broke several of Boddie's bones, tore ligaments in his knee including his ACL, and led to stitches to the back of his head and chin. 

RELATED: 'Saw myself flying in the air' | Hampton Roads chef survives alleged racially-motivated hit and run. How he's recovering, and what the suspect faces

Hensley faced charges of felony hit and run, felony malicious wounding, and driving under the influence. 

"We are glad the judge imposed the high end of the guidelines of five years, however we did ask for a sentence of six years to serve, which was the maximum sentence under the plea agreement," a spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office said. 

To this day, Boddie hasn't fully recovered, but is out of a neck brace and is able to walk. Still, as he limped out of Virginia Beach court Monday following Hensley's sentencing hearing, he believes justice was served as he remains unsure when exactly his physical and emotional strength will be back to full. 

“Mentally, it’s been a challenge. Physically it’s been a challenge, but I just keep going," Boddie told 13News Now outside of the courtroom on Monday. 

Allegations of racial slurs

Court documents reveal witness claims that Hensley allegedly used racial slurs in the moments leading up to hitting Boddie. 

According to a recount of the night from a bail determination sheet, Hensley told law enforcement that he was trying to get away from an altercation when he got in his car, and then told officers someone "walked in front of his car." He later said it "was their fault they got hit."

Witnesses claimed Hensley called the African-American bar patrons racial slurs and continued to use them in the parking lot. 

According to one witness, it was their opinion Hensley acted deliberately and on purpose based on how he "was doing circles in the parking lot, veering toward him."