CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A man who led a high-speed chase while firing at deputies across two counties has pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and other charges.
Donald James Robinson took the plea on Feb. 8 in Montgomery County court, according to a statement from District Attorney General Robert Nash.
On June 20, 2021, Robinson, then 40, driving a top-down convertible, was stopped by a Stewart County deputy, and he couldn’t produce a valid driver’s license, according to previous Clarksville Now reports. Robinson was a convicted felon. While a deputy tried to run him through NCIC, Robinson fled at a high rate of speed.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies were asked to assist in the pursuit as they headed east and crossed into Montgomery County.
After Montgomery County deputies joined the pursuit, Robinson fired at the deputies using a handgun. The chase, which reached speeds in excess of 100 mph, continued on Dover Road, Paul Huff Parkway and Fort Campbell Boulevard, often into oncoming traffic, Nash said. Robinson’s gunfire struck the windshields of MCSO Deputy Josh Beck and Stewart County Deputy Casey Wilburn.
He also rear-ended a Montgomery County unmarked patrol vehicle during the pursuit, according to previous reports.
The chase lasted over half an hour before Robinson crashed into a tree line at the end of Calvert Drive. Deputies with both agencies, assisted by K-9s, located him nearby and took him into custody.
Guilty plea
Assistant District Attorney John Stephens prosecuted the case.
Robinson pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon with a prior drug offense, aggravated assault, and evading arrest by vehicle with the risk of injury or death.
He received a sentence of 35 years to serve with the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Robinson expressed his remorse to the deputies for his actions, with Deputy Beck present in the courtroom.