Suspect arrested in stolen-truck case

Columbus police arrested a local man after finding a truck that had been reported stolen in an alley.

At 9 a.m. Friday, the truck owner reported the 2003 Ford F150 as stolen, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Two hours later, officers located the vehicle in an alley near the 100 block of Hughes Street. A witness told police that Damon L. Estes, 28, of 2265 Wallace Ave., was seen driving the truck recklessly in the area prior to parking the truck and later was seen walking nearby, Harris said.

Police arrested EstesĀ and while searching him, located a substance that was later determined to be a look-alike synthetic drug, Harris said.

Estes is being held on preliminary charges of felony auto theft and possession of a synthetic drug look-alike substance, Harris said.

He is being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond, jail officials said.