COLUMBUS, Ind. — A Palmyra, Indiana man is in custody on several charges after a Wednesday night vehicle pursuit involving Columbus police officers and deputies from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.
At approximately 11:40 p.m., CPD officers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle near National Road and Washington Street, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman. The driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Jeffrey W. Melvin II, 31, refused to pull over and a vehicle pursuit ensued, Harris said. Melvin disregarded multiple stop signs and traffic signals reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour as the pursuit continued in the city.
Melvin attempted to elude officers by turning off his vehicle’s headlights as he drove into the backyard of a residence in the 4300 block of Kennedy Court. Melvin’s vehicle crashed into a fence where he refused the officers’ orders to exit the vehicle, Harris said. A Taser was deployed by officers but was not successful in incapacitating Melvin. Melvin was able to get his vehicle loose and the pursuit continued into a nearby farm field where he crashed into a ditch, disabling the vehicle, Harris said.
Melvin attempted to flee from the vehicle on foot but was apprehended by officers a short time later and placed under arrest.
Melvin was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for medical clearance and remanded to the Bartholomew County Jail on the following preliminary charges:
–Resisting Law Enforcement in a Vehicle (Level 6 Felony)
–Habitual Traffic Violator (Level 6 Felony)
–Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Class A Misdemeanor)
–Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor)
–Reckless Driving (Class C Misdemeanor)
–Criminal Recklessness (Class B Misdemeanor)
