Criminal Pursuit

NBC 4: A two-county, high-speed pursuit apparently began early Thursday morning with a domestic situation and an alleged arson. The situation started with a domestic situation just west of Gahanna, according to Gahanna police. Peter Halvey and his girlfriend apparently broke up, and the suspect wanted retaliation, police said. Gahanna police were notified of an alleged altercation between the two. The girlfriend said Halvey could become violent and offered his vehicle description. Halvey left the scene in a conversion van, according to Gahanna police. Fire crews were called to the 400 block of Denwood Court in response to a house fire close to 2 a.m. The back door at the address was kicked in, according to Gahanna Deputy Chief Ken Bell. Halvey returned to the address later Friday morning, police said. The pursuit began at about 6:20 a.m. That’s when Gahanna police said they spotted the van Halvey. Gahanna police attempted to stop him, but police said he fled in the van. Halvey allegedly led authorities on a 35-mile chase into Licking County – almost to Granville – before he circled around and headed back towards the city’s Northeast Side. Halvey reportedly sent a Gahanna police cruiser into a ditch on York Road south of state Route 161. Halvey was stopped on Interstate 270 southbound and the Morse Road exit. That was right before 7 a.m. Halvey was being charged with felony fleeing, aggravated arson and burglary.

NBC 4: The FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force is currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Maurice L. Williams, aka “Papa Joe.” Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with operating a continuing criminal enterprise. If convicted, Williams could serve at least 20 years and up to life in prison. Williams should be considered armed and dangerous. Charges relate to an investigation indicating he was operating an ongoing drug ring. Williams, of Columbus, is described as a black male, age 33, 6’4”, and 235 pounds. Anyone having any information on Williams’ whereabouts is requested to contact Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000.00 if information submitted leads to an arrest.