Local News

Columbus man faces numerous violence, drug charges after standoff and multiple incidents

On May 7, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office detectives and deputies seized approximately 123 grams of methamphetamine from a residence in the 3900-4000 block of S 550 W, Columbus.  This seizure is related to the continued investigation into an earlier domestic violence incident.

 

Just before 3:00 am on May 5, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 4000 block of 550 W in reference to the report of a domestic battery case involving a deadly weapon.

According to a witness, who was able to barricade herself inside the house and call police, the suspect, David Bevis, was threatening to kill his wife.  The victim reported that Bevis had struck her several times with a shotgun.

 

On arrival, deputies observed Bevis walking around outside with, what appeared to be, a long gun.  After giving Bevis multiple commands to drop his weapon, Bevis refused, ran inside and barricaded himself inside the residence. Deputies immediately set a perimeter around the house and gave Bevis multiple orders to exit the structure.   The victim and witness reported that the suspect told them “if you call 911, we’re all dying”. 

 

While deputies were communicating with the suspect he referenced “suicide by cop”.  The CPD / BCSO combined SWAT Team was activated and CPD negotiators arrived on scene.

 

Bevis told officers to send three officers without children because he had them lined up in his sight. During the negotiations, the suspect’s demeanor fluctuated from his being willing to “give up” to threatening to shoot police officers.

 

After more than an hour of negotiation, Bevis exited the residence and was taken into custody.

 

During the investigation, officers found Bevis to be a serious, violent felon with a prior charge for child molestation.   During a search of his home, firearms were located and seized.  He also had cameras placed throughout the house.

 

Authorities have been to this same residence on previous occasions for reports of battery. 

 

Since drug use could be an indication of his behavioral changes, Bevis was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for clearance before being remanded to the Bartholomew County Jail on the following preliminary charges:

 

Intimidation – Level 5 felony

Domestic Battery with a deadly weapon – Level 5 felony

Criminal Confinement with a deadly weapon – Level 3 felony

Possession of methamphetamine – Level 6 felony

Possession of precursor – Level 6 felony

Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A misdemeanor

 

On May 11, a warrant was issued on David Bevis, 59, of Columbus, for Level F3 possession of methamphetamine, possession of 28 or more grams of methamphetamine.  Bond was set at $175, 000.  As of this report, Bevis was in the Bartholomew County Jail.

 

The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office says intelligence gathered during this investigation has spawned additional investigations that may result in future arrests. 

 

“This seizure represents another example of the continued work the sheriff’s office is doing to address the narcotics issue in our county. This is also a representation of how narcotics is related to several areas of concern within our county such as domestic violence,” said Major Chris Lane.   

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