Man Arrested following Vehicle Pursuit

May 21, 2025

Jeremy Vanantwerp

A local man is in the Bartholomew County Jail for multiple felony charges after leading officers on a vehicle chase through Columbus. On May 20, 2025 at 8:10 p.m., a Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer attempted to stop a black Volkswagen Jetta for a moving violation near North National Road and Washington Street.

When the officer turned on their red and blue lights and siren, the Jetta did not stop. It continued south on Washington Street going 40 to 50 miles per hour, running the red light at 25^th Washington Streets. The pursuing officers saw the male driver throwing what appeared to be drugs out the window. Eventually, the driver stopped near 11^th and Washington Streets and was taken into custody. He was identified as Jeremy Vanantwerp, 43 of Columbus.

After a police K9 alerted to the vehicle, officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also found a torn open bag along the roadway that contained residue of fentanyl.

Vanantwerp was arrested for the preliminary charges of:

• Resisting law enforcement, a level 6 felony
• Obstruction of justice, a level 6 felony
• Possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony
• Possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony
• Possession of drug paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor

All charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.