Columbus, IN — Columbus Police Department (CPD) officers arrested a woman Tuesday afternoon after she reportedly stole a vehicle from a person giving her a ride and later led CPD officers on a vehicle pursuit after they attempted to stop her.
At approximately 4:25 pm, CPD officers responded to Washington Street in regards to a man wanting to report his 2008 Cadillac stolen. The vehicle owner advised that he observed a woman, later identified as Whitney D. Mitchell, 35, of Columbus, who was visibly upset while he was getting fuel at a nearby gas station. The man advised that he offered Mitchell a ride and stopped to purchase cigarettes a short time later. He advised that Mitchell remained inside his vehicle when he went into the store and he noticed that Mitchell and his vehicle were gone after he purchased cigarettes.
Officers observed the stolen Cadillac a short time later and attempted to stop it, however, the driver of the stolen vehicle, later identified as Mitchell, refused to stop. A vehicle pursuit ensued which ended a short time later. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted and Mitchell, who was the lone occupant in the vehicle, was taken into custody. She was later transported to the Bartholomew County Jail and charged on allegations of Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Resisting Law Enforcement.
