Robinson: I just hit something. I think it was a guy

Testimony during the first day of the trial of former Rep. Brad Robinson, D-Bonne Terre, indicated that a coverup was suggested by a county sheriff and that Robinson was definitely behind the wheel when he struck a pedestrian on Jan. 1, 2008:

The witness, Kelly Rackley of Desloge, Mo., said that the St. Francois County sheriff suggested a cover story in which Tara Robinson, not her husband, state Rep. Brad Robinson, was driving the pickup that struck a pedestrian at 1:15 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2008.

Rackley said that Sheriff Dan Bullock met with the Robinsons and Rackley, who was a passenger in the pickup. Rackley said that Bullock noted it was an election year and said, "It'd be better if Tara was driving."

When the Robinson antics were captured by a school outdoor surveillance camera, he was arrested, charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident and eventually decided not to run for re-election.

Rackley's testimony continues:

She heard a loud pop as the truck, driven by Brad Robinson, traveled along Raider Road. She said that Robinson said, "I just hit something, I think it was a guy."

Robinson's wife, Tara, then said to the hysterical occupants of the truck, "I was driving," Rackley testified.

The trial is scheduled to continue today.