Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 2, 1993 TAG: 9312020156
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Madison A. Linkous Jr., 63, of Oil Well Road in Merrimac, was charged with six misdemeanors and two felonies after a five-minute, eight-mile pursuit by a Montgomery County deputy sheriff and officers from the Blacksburg Police Department, who estimated the man's speed at 60-80 mph during and before the pursuit. The pursuit started on South Main Street, continued into Merrimac and ended on Prices Fork Road near Virginia Tech.
"I've heard a lot of cases but yours comes close to capping them all," Frith told Linkous in Montgomery County General District Court.
"I think you knew exactly what you were doing . . ." the judge said, adding that Linkous' actions showed a "total absolute disregard for the safety of others."
Frith said he found the account of the chase "absolutely terrifying."
"I'm just thankful that you didn't get into town where you could have killed somebody," Frith said.
Linkous was found guilty of four charges of failing to stop and give aid at the scene of an accident. The judge fined him $2,000 and suspended his drivers' license for 360 days.
Linkous was fined $2,000 and given 12 months in jail for failing to stop for police. Frith suspended half the fine and half the jail time. Linkous also was fined $2,000 and given 12 months in jail for reckless driving. Half of that - malicious wounding and attempted malicious wounding of two Blacksburg police officers - to the grand jury to consider for indictment.
Dutton Olinger, Linkous' lawyer, noted an appeal and Linkous allowed to remain free on a $15,000 bond.
Linkous sat quietly throughout most of the 90-minute hearing, only speaking out when, the judge said a condition of his bond is that he not drive while his convictions were awaiting an appeal in Circuit Court.
"Well, I don't know how I'm going to get around and get my groceries," Linkous said.
When Frith reiterated his order, Linkous replied: "Well, it wasn't my fault, judge."
Linkous said he had a reaction to medication that caused him to act as he did.
Officers who testified at Wednesday's hearing said Linkous told them he just wanted to go fast, that he didn't recall hitting as many cars as they told him he did. When one officer asked him if he was trying to kill himself, he replied, "maybe."
Police gave this account of the pursuit:
Linkous ran a stop sign at Merrimac and Prices Fork roads, then swerved near a Blacksburg police car driven by Lt. Kim Crannis. Crannis said the car attempted to ram the police cruiser but she backed out of the way, then joined Stump in the pursuit.
Linkous drove between two lanes of traffic and struck four cars that were stopped for a traffic light. His car's left front tire blew out. Sgt. Harrison Vaughan had his police car in a left-turn lane near the Virginia Tech Anaerobe Laboratory - facing the approaching pursuit - and it was struck by the speeding car.
Vaughan was saved from serious injury by the air bag in his cruiser, but sustained neck and back injuries and is still receiving medical treatment.
by CNB