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Paralyzed young woman demands justice as hit-and-run suspect turns himself in

Posted at 5:26 PM, Dec 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-28 20:13:33-05

COLORADO SPRINGS-  We’re following up for you on a story we first told you about earlier this month regarding a hit and run suspect who failed to appear in court after a crash that left a young Colorado Springs woman paralyzed. After weeks on the run, that suspect is back behind bars. It was about a year ago when Brittany Barker’s life changed forever. She could’ve been any of us. Driving this blue truck, investigators say she was hit by Preston Bailey a man on the run from criminal activity who ran the red light. Since then, justice has been delayed because he failed to appear in court.

For almost a year now, Brittany Barker has experienced life bound to a wheelchair. She was the innocent victim in a brutal crash. She’s still waiting for justice.

“He took away my spine. He took away my ability to dance with my brother. I can’t dance with my brother like I used to. I can’t dance with my friends like I used to,” said Barker.

Investigators say Preston Bailey was involved in a drug deal gone bad and caused the crash after running a red light. For the last month law enforcement has been looking for him after he failed to appear in court.

“I didn’t like going out to lunch with my family or dinner or anything because I was scared,” said Barker.

Brittany just got word Bailey turned himself in and is now back behind bars at the El Paso County Jail.

“I started crying. It was an overwhelming, but happy feeling,” said Barker.

She says she’ll be in the courtroom hoping prosecutors will hold Bailey accountable.

“My life has changed so much and it is unfair for someone to be out in the public gallivanting around and enjoying their life even though they took someone else’s life away,” said Barker. “I want him to get the full extent and know what he has done.”

The Colorado Springs Police Department says its investigation into Preston Bailey remains active. Bailey in being held on a $50,000 bond and already faces multiple charges including aggravated robbery, auto theft and felony menacing. He’s scheduled to be in court on January 10th at 8:30 in the morning.