Four arrested after vehicle pursuit in Columbus

Columbus police have arrested four people after a short vehicle pursuit that began at Ninth and Chestnut streets.

Columbus Police Officer Luke Nibarger attempted to stop a black truck for a minor traffic violation at the intersection, but the driver accelerated as it continued east on 10th Street towards Central Avenue at about 1:45 a.m. today, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

The vehicle then stopped in the roadway near Werner Avenue where Nibarger did a high risk traffic stop and placed all of the occupants in handcuffs. The driver, Tyler S. Houchens, 21, Taylorsville, told police he had a warrant for his arrest and that a glass pipe with drug residue inside the vehicle was his, Harris said.

Officers also spoke to Courtney P. Bullington, 27, Columbus, a passenger, who confirmed she had two local warrants for her arrest.

Whitney K. Watkins, 30, Columbus and Charles R. Barr, 38, Columbus, were also arrested after additional narcotics were found inside the vehicle.

Houchens was arrested on charges of resisting law enforcement in a vehicle, a Bartholomew County warrant, operating a vehicle without a license, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a syringe and visiting a common nuisance.

Bullington was arrested on charges of two Bartholomew County warrants and visiting a common nuisance.

Barr was arrested on charges of maintaining a common nuisance and possession of a syringe.

Watkins was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and visiting a common nuisance.

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