BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Kathy McBride, a 48-year-old resident of Galion, appeared in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday in an effort to secure a medical furlough.

McBride is currently held in the Crawford County Jail on a charge of failure to comply, a third-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 36 months in prison.

The charge against McBride stems from a high-speed chase that originated in Galion in early January and culminated in a crash near Poly Tech (formerly Swan Rubber) in Bucyrus. Bucyrus Attorney Brad Starkey represented McBride, and a competency exam for McBride was requested, which has been recently completed. The court is awaiting the examiner’s findings.

The decision to grant the medical furlough for McBride, who requires surgery at OSU Hospital in Columbus and is followed by potential nursing home care, presented a dilemma for Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold. Concerned about McBride’s medical condition, Judge Leuthold sought input from the jail nurse, who reported that McBride had been compliant with her prescribed medications and had exhibited good behavior during her time in custody.

During the court proceedings, Attorney Starkey attested to McBride’s cooperative demeanor.

McBride shared with the court the extent of her injuries, including a broken wrist, ribs, and a serious leg injury with gangrene that necessitated intensive treatment.

Judge Leuthold asked McBride questions, including how a medical furlough program works. She conveyed her answers in a manner satisfactory to Judge Leuthold.

Ultimately, Judge Leuthold considered the positive reports from the nurse, the Sheriff’s Department’s assistance in transportation, and McBride’s adherence to her mental health medication regimen in granting the furlough.

Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler also agreed not to oppose the furlough under these circumstances.

The furlough was approved to cover McBride’s period of surgery and post-operative care, with no trial date scheduled at this time.

Crawford County Now will continue to cover this developing story.