Don't mess with this Diesel Mama when she's pushing that Airborne Express truck down the highway! And she did it in Leg Irons and Barefoot!!
Authorities seek escaped prisoner in Lawrence County
Special to The Monett Times
Published April 26, 2004 4:00 PM CDT
Vicky L. Barbow's fate unknown as she eludes officers on other side of high water
An escaped prisoner may be feeling the discomfort of an early wet spring in the Ozarks after fleeing barefoot and in leg irons from authorities on Saturday, April 24.
The incident occurred when a County deputy was transporting the prisoner, Vicky L. Barbow, 36, through Lawrence County to Newton County. The deputy stopped at a convenience store in Marionville to allow the subject to use the facilities but became distracted by a passing ambulance. At the same time, an Airborne delivery truck pulled into the parking lot and the driver exited the vehicle, leaving the diesel engine running. The prisoner jumped into the Airborne truck and drove away.
Officials with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department were notified and a search for the vehicle was immediately instigated.
Shortly after 12:30 p. m. , a Lawrence County officer spotted the truck traveling westbound on Missouri Highway 60. When the officer attempted to stop the delivery truck Ms. Barbow fled, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Additional officers from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department joined the pursuit. At one point, the fleeing driver drove head-on at a county patrol vehicle at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour.
During the pursuit, the vehicle crossed several low water crossings that were flooded due to recent heavy rains in the area. Upon arriving in the Verona area, west of Monett, the subject crossed Spring River, but the patrol vehicle was unable to continue its pursuit because it stalled in the deep water.
Approximately 10 minutes later, another deputy found the vehicle abandoned across the creek. The impact of the water had deployed the van's airbag.
Barbow reportedly fled into the nearby woods.
Search dogs were called to the scene from nearby Aurora Police Department and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department. The Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter was also utilized in the search for the escaped prisoner.
Barbow is described as having sandy blonde hair, is five-foot, eight inches in height and weighs approximately 170 pounds. She was last seen wearing an orange Newton County Jail uniform and leg irons. She was barefoot at the time of the escape.
Barbow was being held for alleged stealing and other drug-related charges. She remains at large as of presstime Monday morning.
Anyone having information on the subject is urged to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department at 4417-466-2131.
Authorities seek escaped prisoner in Lawrence County
Special to The Monett Times
Published April 26, 2004 4:00 PM CDT
Vicky L. Barbow's fate unknown as she eludes officers on other side of high water
An escaped prisoner may be feeling the discomfort of an early wet spring in the Ozarks after fleeing barefoot and in leg irons from authorities on Saturday, April 24.
The incident occurred when a County deputy was transporting the prisoner, Vicky L. Barbow, 36, through Lawrence County to Newton County. The deputy stopped at a convenience store in Marionville to allow the subject to use the facilities but became distracted by a passing ambulance. At the same time, an Airborne delivery truck pulled into the parking lot and the driver exited the vehicle, leaving the diesel engine running. The prisoner jumped into the Airborne truck and drove away.
Officials with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department were notified and a search for the vehicle was immediately instigated.
Shortly after 12:30 p. m. , a Lawrence County officer spotted the truck traveling westbound on Missouri Highway 60. When the officer attempted to stop the delivery truck Ms. Barbow fled, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Additional officers from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department joined the pursuit. At one point, the fleeing driver drove head-on at a county patrol vehicle at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour.
During the pursuit, the vehicle crossed several low water crossings that were flooded due to recent heavy rains in the area. Upon arriving in the Verona area, west of Monett, the subject crossed Spring River, but the patrol vehicle was unable to continue its pursuit because it stalled in the deep water.
Approximately 10 minutes later, another deputy found the vehicle abandoned across the creek. The impact of the water had deployed the van's airbag.
Barbow reportedly fled into the nearby woods.
Search dogs were called to the scene from nearby Aurora Police Department and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department. The Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter was also utilized in the search for the escaped prisoner.
Barbow is described as having sandy blonde hair, is five-foot, eight inches in height and weighs approximately 170 pounds. She was last seen wearing an orange Newton County Jail uniform and leg irons. She was barefoot at the time of the escape.
Barbow was being held for alleged stealing and other drug-related charges. She remains at large as of presstime Monday morning.
Anyone having information on the subject is urged to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department at 4417-466-2131.