Columbus police arrested an Edinburgh man after witnesses reported he was breaking into vehicles in the 2600 block of Hawpatch Drive.
Police went to the area at 3:30 a.m. Sunday after one witness reported seeing a man wearing all black clothing rummaging through vehicles and leaving the area in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle.
Officers were later sent to the 2700 block of Poplar Drive about an intoxicated man yelling in the roadway outside a dark-colored SUV, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.
The man, identified as Derek R. Jordan, 22, of Edinburgh, matched the description witnesses gave about the man breaking into vehicles, Harris said, and he was later identified by witnesses as the individual on Hawpatch Drive.
When Jordan was arrested, he became combative and kicked an officer in the thigh, Harris said. He was arrested on preliminary charges of theft and battery on a law enforcement officer, Harris said.
Jordan was released from the Bartholomew County Jail after posting $1,784.05 bond, jail officials said.
