Police: Man runs after trying to cash stolen items

A local man was arrested on multiple charges by Columbus police after he was accused of attempting to cash stolen checks and then fleeing from officers.

Blake R. Nichols, 21, 3114 N. Marr Road, was arrested at about 3 p.m. Thursday on felony charges of fraud on a financial institution, possession of a legend drug injection device and possession of heroin, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Nichols also was arrested on misdemeanor charges of possession of stolen property, resisting law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia, Harris said.

Columbus police officer Justin Black was sent to a bank in the 2000 block of 26th Street in regards to a fraud report, and Nichols was attempting to leave the bank when police arrived, Harris said. When Black attempted to apprehend Nichols, Nichols pulled away and tried to flee, he said.

Columbus police officer Jeremy Jones discharged his stun gun, striking Nichols, and he was arrested, Harris said.

While searching Nichols, police found drug paraphernalia and a small amount of heroin, he said.

Nichols is being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $37,500 bond, jail officials said.