Man leads chase, leaves pregnant girlfriend behind

[July 30, 2008]  ESSEX, Vt. (AP) -- A motorist led police on a chase that ended when his vehicle hit a tree and he fled, leaving his pregnant girlfriend behind, authorities said. A police officer who suspected the man of speeding tried to pull him over early Monday.

Lt. Robin Hollwedel said the man then lead officers on a short chase in which his vehicle clipped a house and rammed a tree.

"He hit the corner of it. The tree stopped him more than the house did," Hollwedel said.

The man then got out and fled on foot, leaving his girlfriend -- who is 8 months pregnant -- in the car, according to Hollwedel. The woman, whose name wasn't released, was unhurt but was taken to a hospital as a precaution.

The man, whose driver's license is suspended, made a voluntary appearance at police headquarters along with his attorney later Monday.

He was cited for careless and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and a probation violation before being released, police said.

[Associated Press]

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