Man arrested after officer spots him rummaging through cars

A local man was arrested after he was spotted entering several cars at an automobile repair shop early this morning.

Columbus police were sent to Lanning Automotive, 2660 Hawcreek Ave., at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday after an Indiana Conservation officer saw a man later identified as Ryan M. Melloh, 29, Columbus, rummaging through vehicles on the property, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Melloh was arrested and when he was searched, officers found prescription medication that did not belong to him as well as keys to a vehicle at the repair shop, Harris said.

Melloh was taken to the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges of felony theft, felony possession of a Legend Drug and misdemeanor unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, Harris said.

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