Bartholomew County: This morning a pursuit landed a Columbus man in jail. According to Trooper Matt Simmons, at approximately 3:30 this morning he attempted to stop a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero for speeding and driving left of center in the area of CR 325 West and Georgetown Rd, near Columbus. The Alero was traveling approximately 60 mph in a 50 zone then it accelerated to about 75 mph and turned westbound onto Georgetown Rd. where the driver failed to signal his turn. Tpr. Simmons then activated his emergency lights to make a traffic stop and the Alero then accelerated rapidly in an attempt to flee. The vehicle was weaving within the roadway then ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Despite being heavily damaged the vehicle came back on the roadway and continued westbound on Georgetown Rd. The vehicle continued to flee turning on several other county roads where it came into a curve on Baker Hollow Rd. east of CR 700S where the driver lost control and ran off the road and the vehicle overturned coming to rest on its top in a ditch. As the driver was attempting to free himself he was taken into custody without further incident.
The driver was identified as 39 year old James W. Mace of Columbus and suffered only minor injuries. He was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (Class D Felony), Operating While Intoxicated with Endangerment (Class A Misdemeanor), Operating While Intoxicated (Class C Misdemeanor), and Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Class A Misdemeanor). Mace was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail. Tpr. Simmons was assisted by Tpr. Seth Davidson, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies, Columbus Regional EMS, and Harrison Twp. Fire Department.
Persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Media note: A photo of Mace may be available by contacting the Bartholomew County Jail.
