Staff Reports
A local driver was arrested after he attempted to flee from Columbus police officers who were trying to stop him for having a flat tire and a broken rear window.
Officers Reid Thayer and Lukas Nibarger saw a Ford Taurus with car problems on Lafayette Avenue at 12:40 a.m. Thursday. The driver was identified as James R. Charles, 56, of 1501 California St., who fled into a parking lot in the 600 block of Third Street, exited the vehicle and began fleeing on foot, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.
Officers caught up to Charles a short time later and arrested him, Harris said. While speaking with him, officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, Harris said.
He was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for a blood-alcohol test and later taken to the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and resisting law enforcement, Harris said.
He was later released from the Bartholomew County Jail after posting $7,500 bond, jail officials said.
