COLUMBUS– A Columbus man was arrested on felony charges Tuesday night following a police pursuit through the city that ended with the discovery of drugs.
The incident began at approximately 8:10 p.m. when a Columbus Police Department officer observed a traffic violation near North National Road and Washington Street. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as 43-year-old Jeremy Vanantwerp, continued southbound on Washington Street at speeds between 40 and 50 mph, running a red light at 25th and Washington Streets. Police also noted that the driver appeared to be discarding items from the vehicle’s window during the pursuit.
The chase concluded near 11th and Washington Streets, where Vanantwerp stopped and was taken into custody. A police K9 unit alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle, leading to a search that yielded methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, officers recovered an open bag along the chase route that is believed to contain fentanyl.
Vanantwerp is facing multiple charges, including felony counts of resisting law enforcement and obstructing justice, along with drug possession charges. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for possession of paraphernalia.
