COLORADO SPRINGS- A manhunt is underway for a man who’s accused of causing a hit-and-run crash that left a woman paralyzed. For the first time only on News 5 she’s sharing her story and begging for someone to turn in the fugitive. This story started back in January and court documents lay it all out. Investigators say it started with a drug deal gone bad in a parking lot near Pikes Peak and North Academy. Then, during a chase, the suspect ran a red light causing a terrible crash that paralyzed Brittany Barker. Investigators say the driver of the gray SUV was 28-year-old Preston Bailey. Officers say moments after the crash he carjacked a woman and left the scene. Police did eventually arrest him, but now he’s failed to appear in court and is once again on the run.
“Your life can change in an instant and you don’t even realize it. Like, one thing I’m going from work and the next I’m paralyzed for the rest of my life,” said Brittany Barker who was paralyzed in the hit-and-run crash.
Barker’s life changed forever when she was hit while driving her blue truck through Bijou and Circle last January. She may never walk again.
“It’s been painful it’s been depressing. It’s like there’s a giant boulder crushing me because I can’t get out from underneath it now,” said Barker.
Court records show Preston Bailey is the man charged with causing the crash and recently failed to appear in court and has been wanted for more than a week now.
“This guy is out and we don’t know where he is at and I’m scared I’m going to get hurt again,” said Barker.
Barker and her family are hoping soon Bailey will be back in custody.
“Right now justice is the number one thing I need. It’s closure for me,” said Barker.
Working every day with therapists Barker is regaining her independence and hopes others will find inspiration through these tough times.
“If you can smile and I can smile through my process then that means you can smile as well. don’t give up,” said Barker.
if you have any information on Preston Bailey you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 634-STOP. You could be eligible for a cash reward.
