Following a five-day jury trial, Tanner Dunbar Harrison was found guilty on Friday, January 16,
2026, of one count of second-degree murder. The jury heard from 31 witnesses and viewed 33
exhibits before reaching its decision. Harrison is currently lodged at the Chippewa County
Correctional Facility awaiting sentencing in the 50th Circuit Court.
This case was presented to the jury by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Giommi. Jurors learned
about a reckless driving incident that turned into a police pursuit, ultimately taking the life of
Katie Robinson. During the evening hours of June 17, 2021, Central Dispatch began receiving
numerous calls about a dual-wheel Ford F-350 pickup truck on M-129 near Pickford, Michigan,
running cars off the roadway. Central Dispatch also received a call reporting the same vehicle on
M-129 near M-80, where it cut off another driver, slammed on its brakes, removed a tire iron
from the bed of the truck, and threw it at the vehicle it had just cut off. That driver attempted to
flee, and the Ford chased him at a high rate of speed.
A BOL was issued to law enforcement, and a Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office deputy located
the Ford F-350 still traveling on M-129 near 8 Mile. The deputy activated his lights and sirens,
but the Ford F-350 did not pull over. Instead, the deputy observed Harrison continue to drive
recklessly, forcing additional vehicles off the road by traveling in the oncoming southbound lane
and nearly crashing on multiple occasions. The deputy recorded speeds in excess of 90 miles per
hour as they continued toward the city.
The deputy advised other officers that they were approaching 3 Mile, still heading northbound at
approximately 90 miles per hour. At that time, Sault Ste. Marie Police officers began heading to
Ashmun Street in anticipation of the incoming reckless driver, with one officer stationed at the
intersection of Ashmun Street and West 19th Avenue with lights and sirens activated.
Tragically, Katie Robinson had just left work and was driving northbound on Ashmun Street
when Tanner Harrison deliberately crashed his truck into the rear of her Volkswagen Bug at
approximately 88 miles per hour. After striking Robinson’s vehicle, Harrison’s truck collided
with a parked vehicle before ultimately crashing into the Great Lakes Recovery Center. Law
enforcement and EMS provided immediate emergency medical care to Robinson, but she was
pronounced dead at the scene.
“We all wish this tragic event could have been avoided. Tanner Harrison made that impossible
by his actions,” said Sheriff Michael Bitnar. “The investigation was complex and could not have
been successful without the diligent work of Detective/Sergeant Douglas Mitchell, along with
several of my deputy sheriffs, who were assisted on scene by Sault Ste. Marie City Police, Sault
Tribe Police, and Sault Fire and EMS. Finally, I would like to thank Chief Assistant Prosecutor
Kristin Giommi, who put together an outstanding case for the jury.”
The Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office and the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office extend
their continued condolences to the Robinson family on the loss of their daughter. Katie Robinson was a talented hockey player with the kindest soul, taken from this world far too soon because of
Mr. Harrison’s actions.
In her memory, a memorial girls’ hockey tournament is held each winter, with proceeds
benefiting a scholarship fund and the Diane Peppler Resource Center. This year’s tournament
will take place February 13–15, 2026. Additional information is available at
katierobinsonshowcase.com.
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