Motorist arrested after fleeing from police in vehicle and on foot

A motorist was arrested after attempting to flee Columbus police officers in his vehicle and on foot to avoid a traffic stop.

Douglas W. Houchens, 37, 8433 N. Saxon Court, was arrested on two resisting law enforcement charges, leaving the scene of an accident and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, Columbus Police Officer Travis Harbaugh saw a vehicle with an expired license plate in the area of 11th and Washington streets, Harris said. When Harbaugh attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, later identified as Houchens, sped up and refused to pull over, Harris said.

Houchens disregarded a number of stop signs before losing control of his vehicle and striking a curb near 22nd Street and Hawcreek Avenue which disabled the vehicle, Harris said. Houchens then fled on foot but was caught by Harbaugh a short time later with the assistance of a Columbus police canine, Harris said.

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