Columbia man arrested after high-speed chase

COLUMBIA — A traffic stop late Sunday night resulted in a vehicle pursuit on U.S. 63 and I-70 Drive after a Columbia man attempted to evade a Boone County Sheriff's Deputy. The man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault and driving while intoxicated, said Maj. Tom Reddin of the Boone County Sheriff's Department.

At 11:07 p.m. Sunday, Leo B. Robinson, 38, and a female passenger were stopped for a possible registration violation on the northbound ramp of U.S. 63 at New Haven Road. Reddin said when the deputy approached the car, he recognized Robinson from prior professional contact. After speaking with the deputy, Robinson attempted to flee. The deputy pursued him north on U.S. 63, reaching speeds of 90 mph.

Robinson then exited U.S. 63 at the Interstate 70 connector and turned east onto I-70 Drive southeast, where he pulled over. The female passenger then exited the vehicle.

Reddin said Robinson had put the car in reverse in an attempt to avoid the pursuing officer when he accidentally struck the woman with the car and then continued to drive east.

Robinson then stopped the vehicle near I-70 Drive and Keane Street, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

According to Reddin, the deputy administered a field sobriety and blood alcohol test, which Robinson failed after blowing a .166 blood alcohol content. The legal limit is .08 in Missouri.

When searching the vehicle, officers also located a small amount of marijuana, Reddin said.

Robinson will be charged with driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, second-degree assault, driving under suspension, possession of a controlled substance and failure to register a motor vehicle, Reddin said.

The female passenger was taken to University Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

As of 12:30 p.m. Monday, Robinson was being held at Boone County Jail on $10,595 bond.