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June 20, 2012

Man charged in hit-and-run crash

By JOSH NEWTON Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — A Tahlequah man has been charged with causing an injury crash in late May and fleeing from the scene.

Tahlequah police were dispatched May 29 to a crash at Meadow Creek Drive and Muskogee Avenue. Witnesses told police a 1999 Chevrolet had run a red light while southbound on Muskogee and struck a 2002 Honda driven by Michelle Gonzales, who was turning west onto Meadow Creek Drive.

A passenger in the Honda, 4-year-old Taylee R. Sawney, was severely injured and had to be flown by medical helicopter to Oklahoma City. The driver of the Chevy left the scene, and police later found the vehicle at a nearby business.

A passenger in the Chevy – Geanna A. Eikenbary, 30, of Hulbert – was arrested, but police say she claimed she didn’t know who the driver was, and wouldn’t cooperate.

Investigators later received information that the driver was Mitchell Wayne Robinson, 37, of Tahlequah. Police said they learned Robinson had multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants, and was driving under suspension.

On May 30, Tahlequah detectives reportedly interviewed Eikenbary at the Cherokee County Detention Center. She allegedly identified Robinson as the driver of the vehicle.

Robinson has been charged with a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. Prosecutors say Robinson was driving the Chevy Suburban that struck the Honda, causing the 4-year-old’s injuries, and that Robinson didn’t stop to render aid or provide any information.

He’s also accused of obstructing an officer for running from the scene of the crash.

The felony charge is punishable by 10 days to two years in prison and/or a fine of $50-$1,000. Obstructing an officer is punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a fine of up to $500.

Prosecutors also filed court documents showing Robinson was convicted in 2009 of attempting to elude a police officer, obstructing an officer, and driving with a suspended, canceled or revoked license. His five-year sentence was suspended, but the prior conviction could enhance his sentence under state law.

Eikenbary was also charged this month with obstructing an officer.

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