Local man arrested on charge of possession of methamphetamine

A local man was arrested on drug-related charges after a disturbance near 25th and Midway streets.

Columbus police arrested Franklin E. Byars, 34, Columbus, at 1:53 a.m. Friday after they were sent to the disturbance involving a couple arguing.

After locating the couple, the officers saw the man turn away and reach toward the waist band of his pants, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman. The officers ordered the man to raise his hands and when he did, a small bag of methamphetamine fell to the ground, Harris said.

Byars was arrested on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, Harris said.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.