Woman who fled police gets prison

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A Delaware woman who led authorities on a high-speed chase through two counties in February will spend the next year in prison.

Barbara J. Robinson, 36, 172 Springer Wood Blvd., pleaded guilty in Madison County Common Pleas Court on June 30 to failure to comply with a police officer as part of a plea deal.

Robinson was clocked speeding eastbound on Interstate 70 on Feb. 27 when officers attempted a routine stop. But Robinson accelerated, leading authorities on a 37-mile pursuit into Franklin County.

Speeds reached 120 mph as Robinson’s car careened around other vehicles and “stop-sticks” were placed in the roadway to halt her flight, according to Madison County Common Pleas Judge Eamon Costello.

The chase ended at the intersection of Interstate 270 and State Route 161, north of Columbus, when Robinson’s car struck two other vehicles and rolled over.

Investigators said Robinson displayed “bizarre behavior” and talked “gibberish” at the scene. She later admitted using cocaine on the day of the pursuit and abusing Percocet in the past.

Defense attorney Keith Edwards said drug use triggered a psychosis in Robinson, causing her to hear voices coming from the car’s speakers. Her mental health problems were complicated by witnessing her husband’s suicide.

Robinson was released on bond, but later tested positive for opiates. She attributed those test results to painkillers taken for her accident injuries.

In addition to the year in prison, Robinson lost driving privileges for five years.

By Jane Beathard

For The Gazette

Jane Beathard is a contributing writer for The Madison Press in Madison County.

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