Patrolman John Harold Robinson, Jr.

John Harold Robinson, Jr.

Patrolman John Robinson was killed when his cruiser was forced off of the roadway and struck a group of trees while chasing two robbery suspects. Patrolman Robinson and a second officer had been chasing two suspects, who had just robbed a man at gunpoint, for less than one minute when the suspects slammed on their brakes and suddenly swerved, in an attempt to cause an accident. Patrolman Robinson swerved as well, going off the roadway, and struck the trees. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The vehicles were traveling at an estimated 50 mph at the time of the accident. The second officer in the chase was able to arrest both suspects at the scene. Both suspects were found guilty first degree murder, evading arrest, and aggravated robbery and sentenced to life.

Patrolman Robinson had served with the agency for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and nine-month-old daughter, a seven-year-old son, and a 13-year-old daughter.