Staff Reports
A local man was arrested after he was accused of fleeing from Columbus police officers during a pursuit and then crashing his vehicle.
Columbus police attempted to stop a minivan that appeared to be falsely registered at 12:20 a.m. Sunday, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.
The driver of the minivan, Jason S. Lazell, 44, of 12681 E. 25th St., refused to stop and accelerated his vehicle in an attempt to avoid officers, Harris said. A short time later, Lazell lost control of his vehicle and struck a curb at 17th Street and National Road flipping the minivan on its side, Harris said.
As officers approached the damaged vehicle, Lazell exited the minivan and fled on foot. Lazell was caught by CPD officers a short time later after a foot pursuit and placed under arrest, Harris said.
While searching Lazell, officers located a small bag of methamphetamine in his clothing, Harris said.
Lazell’s passenger, Timothy K. David, 47, Columbus, sustained a head injury in the crash and was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment.
Lazell was also transported to Columbus Regional Hospital where officers obtained a search warrant for a blood test, Harris said.
Upon his discharge from the hospital, Lazell was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail on a 48-hour hold on the following preliminary charges:
Felony resisting law enforcement with a vehicle
Misdemeanor resisting law enforcement
Felony possession of methamphetamine
Felony criminal recklessness
Felony leaving the scene of an accident
Felony driving while suspended with a prior conviction
Police said the incident remains under investigation.
