COLUMBUS, Ind. – A local man is in custody after he reportedly fled from Columbus police officers after crashing his vehicle during a pursuit early Sunday morning. At approximately 12:20 a.m., the Columbus Police Department attempted to stop a minivan that appeared to be falsely registered. Officers say the driver, Jason S. Lazell, 44, of Columbus, refused to stop and accelerated his vehicle in an attempt to avoid being pulled over. 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.
As law enforcement approached the damaged vehicle, officers say Lazell exited the minivan and began fleeing on foot. He was apprehended by CPD after a short foot pursuit and placed under arrest. While searching Lazell, officers allegedly found a small bag of methamphetamine in his clothing.
A passenger in the vehicle, Timothy K. David, 47, of Columbus, sustained a head injury in the crash and was transported to Columbus Regional Health (CRH) for treatment.
Lazell was also transported to CRH where officers obtained a search warrant for a blood test. Upon his discharge from the hospital, Lazell was taken to the Bartholomew County Jail where he was charged with resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, resisting law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, criminal recklessness, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving while suspended prior.