COLUMBUS, Ind. – Two men are in jail following a residential burglary investigation in which a firearm was stolen. On Wednesday, March 26, the Columbus Police Department (CPD) was called to a home in the 2200 block of Ohio Avenue regarding a theft.
The homeowner reported that someone had broken into his house while he was gone and stolen some electronics and a shotgun. He had surveillance video that showed the suspect wearing pink joggers, a pink hooded sweatshirt, and a black coat.
Later in their shift, officers were called to an address in the 300 block of Cleveland Street about a person trespassing. When they arrived, they found Dustin Harden, 20, of Hope. He was wearing pink joggers and a pink hooded sweatshirt. The suspect was handcuffed.
Police allegedly found marijuana and a smoking pipe next to him. The man then tried to run from CPD, but was captured nearby. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation before being escorted to Bartholomew County Jail.
During the subsequent investigation, detectives discovered all of the stolen items from the burglary. They also gathered evidence that Phillip Brantley, 60, of Columbus, had the shotgun.
Harden was arrested for the preliminary charges of Burglary (level 5 felony), Resisting law enforcement (A misdemeanor), Possession of marijuana (B misdemeanor), and Possession of paraphernalia (C misdemeanor)
Harden-Courtesy-CPD
Brantley was booked for Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon (level 4 felony) and Obstruction of justice (level 6 felony)
Brantley-Courtesy-CPD
Both remain in the Bartholomew County Jail. All charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
