Local man arrested after leading police on a short chase

A local man was arrested on multiple charges after being accused of stealing items from a home supply store and then leading police on a pursuit.

Douglas Houchens, 37, 8433 N. Saxon Court, Columbus, was arrested Thursday afternoon after police were called to Lowe’s in the 3500 block of 10th Street about a man stealing miscellaneous items from the store and leaving in a vehicle, said Officer Justin Black, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

The man pepper-sprayed an employee as he was leaving the store, Black said. A short time later, officers located a vehicle matching the description of the one leaving Lowe’s and attempted to stop it.

Houchens, later identified as the driver, failed to stop and led officers on a short pursuit through the central part of Columbus, Black said. After eluding officers for a short time, Houchens was located in the area of 16th and Maple streets where he was arrested. During the arrest, officers found methamphetamine while searching him, and found a syringe while searching his vehicle, Black said.

Houchens was arrested on preliminary charges of:

  • Felony possession of methamphetamine
  • Felony possession of a syringe
  • Felony resisting law enforcement
  • Misdemeanor battery resulting in bodily injury
  • Misdemeanor theft
  • Misdemeanor reckless driving

For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.