CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing a 34-year-old Columbus-area resident wanted in connection with a dangerous incident late Friday night that left two Pickaway County sheriff’s deputies injured after a routine response to a possible stolen vehicle escalated rapidly.
Daniel Allen Robinette faces serious felony charges, including two counts of felonious assault, following the confrontation in the shared parking area of a Walmart and KFC along US-23 in Circleville.
Deputies responded shortly before 11:30 p.m. to reports of a suspicious red 2012 Chevrolet Cruze displaying an Ohio temporary tag. Upon arriving at the scene, Sergeant McIntyre checked the driver’s side of the vehicle while Deputy Little spoke with the male occupant in the passenger seat. The man initially identified himself using personal details belonging to Thomas A. Sturgill.
As officers worked to verify the information, a woman nearby—who later identified herself as Jennifer E. Robinette, the suspect’s ex-wife—approached Sergeant McIntyre. She disclosed the passenger’s true identity as Daniel Robinette and cautioned officers that he frequently used his father’s information to avoid police encounters.
While Sergeant McIntyre stepped away briefly to obtain a confirmation photo from dispatch, the situation turned volatile. Robinette suddenly slid into the driver’s seat and floored the accelerator. In an effort to halt the vehicle, Sergeant McIntyre reached inside, grabbing the suspect’s arm and trying to shift the car into park. He was dragged approximately 30 feet before being thrown from the moving car, slamming his head against the pavement.
As the Cruze sped eastward through the lot toward Pickaway Street, it also clipped Deputy Little, injuring his left arm. Robinette fled the area, disappearing into the night despite the sergeant’s attempt to give chase despite his injuries.
Deputies later recovered Sergeant McIntyre’s personal cell phone—believed to have been lost during the struggle—on the east side of Eva Drive around 12:41 a.m. after using tracking features. The probe intensified when Circleville officers learned Robinette had briefly stopped at his parents’ home on East Union Street shortly after midnight, where he picked up his 12-year-old daughter, Madison, before taking off again.
Sergeant McIntyre was treated at Berger Hospital for a significant head laceration and contusion. Deputy Little suffered a notable bruise to his forearm but did not need emergency transport.
Warrants have been issued for Robinette on charges including two counts of felonious assault, failure to comply with a peace officer’s lawful order, and obstructing justice. The vehicle is described as a red 2012 Chevy Cruze with temporary Ohio tag V539786.
Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office officials are asking anyone with information on Robinette’s whereabouts or the location of the vehicle to contact them immediately. The search involves multiple agencies as authorities work to locate the suspect and ensure public safety.
