Man sentenced to 98 years for 2-day crime spree in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man has been sentenced to 98 years in prison for his role in a two-day crime spree in February 2023 that left one man dead according to a press release from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

Following a three-day trial in February, deputy prosecutors secured felony convictions for murder, armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, Intimidation, and two counts of auto theft.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a fatal hit-and-run crash at 4:13 p.m., Feb. 11, 2023, near 16th Street and Capitol Avenue on the city’s near-north side. That is next to the construction site of the new IU Health Methodist Hospital.

Witnesses reported that a silver SUV was driving recklessly before swerving onto a curb and striking John Pollard, who later died from his injuries. Several witnesses told police they believed the driver intentionally hit the victim.

Investigators later learned Pollard and his son had been walking near 16th Street and Meridian Street when they were confronted by Williamson and a brief altercation ensued. After the confrontation, Williamson struck Pollard with his vehicle.

About 20 minutes later, officers responded to a home in the 4900 block of Guion Road to speak with Williamson’s girlfriend, who reported receiving calls from him in which he claimed he had killed someone, and threatened her and her family. She provided investigators with a description of the vehicle she rented for him and locations Williamson frequently visited.

Around 10:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to a disturbance at one of those locations in the 4100 block of Ruckle Street. Williamson was taken into custody, and a search warrant was executed at the home. He was later released after questioning.

With assistance from the rental car company, investigators later located the SUV in an alley near the 400 block of Harvard Place.

On Feb. 12, 2023, at 6:30 a.m., officers were again called to the Ruckle Street residence for a disturbance. Officers learned Williamson had struggled with his mother before fleeing in her Chevrolet Trax.

While officers remained on scene, additional officers were dispatched to a gas station at West 38th Street and North Illinois Street on a report of a vehicle theft. Officers located Williamson’s mother’s Chevrolet Trax parked and still running at the gas station.

Nearly 14 hours later, officers responded to a reported carjacking involving a pizza delivery driver downtown. As the driver attempted to make a delivery, Williamson tried to enter her vehicle before pointing a gun at her and taking the car. Williamson told the driver he was running from police.

Using the vehicle’s GPS system, officers tracked Williamson to a home on South Addison Street, where he was taken into custody without incident.

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