Christmas Eve chase leads to arrest

Billy Ray Denson
Billy Ray Denson

A Taylorsville man was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly leading deputies on a car chase Christmas Eve.

Judy Jackson, spokeswoman for the Bartholomew County sheriff’s department, said deputies were called to the 9000 block of U.S. 31 near Taylorsville at about 5:10 p.m. Thursday about a dispute between two drivers. After allegedly giving a false name, one of the drivers allegedly raced from the scene. After trying to shake deputies, the driver abandoned the vehicle near East Street and ran away, Jackson said.

State police and a Columbus Police officer with his police dog joined in the search. Police found 43-year-old Billy Ray Denson in a locked garage, hiding under some clothing in a car.

He was already wanted on warrants including failing to appear in court on a charge of driving while a habitual traffic offender and failing to appear in court on charges of strangulation, criminal confinement, and domestic battery.

New charges include:

  • Operating a vehicle with a lifetime suspension, a level 5 felony
  •  Resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, a level 6 felony
  • Criminal recklessness with a vehicle, a Class A misdemeanor,
  • Reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor
  • False informing , B misdemeanor