Trucker Charged in Kidnapping and Wild Police Chase Pursues “Insanity” Defense
Cincinatti, OH – The attorney for an Alabama trucker accused of kidnapping his wife and leading police on a two hour chase in Ohio last month says his client is “not guilty by reason of insanity.”
On Tuesday, truck driver Patrick Berthelot entered a plea claiming insanity as his defense in the bizarre case.
Hugh McCloskey, Jr., attorney for Berthelot, filed a motion requesting a mental evaluation for his client.
Berthelot is charged with one count of kidnapping, four counts of felonious assault for allegedly attempting to hit law enforcement with his semi-truck, and two counts of failure to comply with police during the bizarre pursuit along sections of I-275, I-71, and I-75.
Read more on the incident HERE.
After consultation with Berthelot, McCloskey says he is unsure if his client understands the nature of the charges against him and is “unable to assist in the preparation and presentation of [his] defense.”
Further, McCloskey’s motion indicates Berthelot “may not be competent to stand trial.”
The Defense is requesting a mental evaluation be conducted to make a determination on the matter.
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As has been widely reported, Berthelot has an extensive criminal history and was treated in a mental institution in 2011 after a violent confrontation with his ex-wife.
McCloskey said he was asking for the evaluation out of “an abundance of caution.”
Berthelot is currently being held at the Hamilton County Jail on a $275,000 bond.
His next scheduled court appearance is August 18.
TransportationNation.com will continue to follow the case.
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