Middletown police: Dad leads officer on chase, abandons his 2 children in backseat

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio - A man was arrested Wednesday after he reportedly fled from police while abandoning his two children inside a vehicle.

The incident happened on Roosevelt Boulevard near Wicoff Street in Middletown.

According to a police report, a Middletown officer attempted to pull over a vehicle for not having a front license plate properly displayed. The driver led the officer on a chase through a Middletown neighborhood, reaching up to 50 mph at one point, and then ditched the vehicle, officials say. He allegedly fled on foot, while abandoning his two children in the backseat of the car.

The two children, a 9 and 4-year-old, also took off on foot, but ran in the opposite direction of the suspect. They were later located at their grandparent's home which was nearby, according to officials.

"Before he got out of the car he told them 'Head to your grandma's,' and that's where they were headed to," said Officer Rodney of the Middletown Police Department.

After police inspected the vehicle, two open beer bottles were located in the rear passenger floorboard. Police also discovered the suspect was driving under a suspended license.

The man was later caught by other officers in the area and arrested. He was identified as Roderick Robinson and remains in the Middletown jail.

"It doesn't make any sense. I mean what kind of dad... eludes the police with kids in the car and then leaves the kids? Who does that?" said Officer Muterspaw.

Robinson is now charged with two counts of child endangering, eluding, open flask, obstructing official business, driving under suspension, holder through Butler County Sheriff's Office, display of license plate, stop sign violation and two turn signal violations. 

"He's got some serious problems. He's got two counts of child endangerment. That's a misdemeanor one but still he could get a year in jail for that. He probably will once the judge sees this," said Officer Muterspaw.

Police say the children are now safe with their mother.

The incident remains under investigation.

Stay with 9 On Your Side and WCPO.com for updates as they become available.

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