Florida Mom Arrested After Slow-Speed Police Chase with Son in Car

Police Chase and Initial Stop

• 🚨 A woman, later identified as Michelle Harbin, led Eustis police on a slow-speed chase in Lake County, Florida, after failing to pull over.
• 🚗 Harbin was driving with a suspended license and initially claimed she was taking her sick son to the hospital.
• ⚠️ Officers discovered her license was suspended after running her license plate before initiating the stop.

Driver's Justifications and Passenger's Role

• 🏥 Harbin repeatedly stated her son was sick, throwing up, and it was his birthday, which she claimed was the reason for not stopping.
• 🗣️ The male passenger in the car eventually revealed he told Harbin not to stop, as he believed he had a warrant for his arrest.
• ❓ Officers questioned the validity of the emergency, noting the child's symptoms seemed minor and that they had not requested EMS.

Escalating Situation and Arrest

• 🚗 The chase lasted nearly three miles at a slow speed before Harbin eventually stopped.
• 🎤 After being read her Miranda rights, Harbin admitted she was fearful of the passenger, who had a history of verbal aggression and had told her not to stop.
• ⚖️ Harbin was arrested for fleeing to elude and child neglect, with her children requiring a guardian to pick them up.

Legal History and Plea

• 📜 Court records revealed Michelle Harbin had prior arrests for possession of methamphetamine, with her children present in the car during at least one incident.
• 📅 She later pleaded no contest to a lesser charge and received 6 months of probation.
• 🚗 The vehicle was impounded, and the license plate was removed due to the suspended license and lack of insurance.