Three people were arrested early Wednesday morning as a result of an ongoing investigation into a string of nearly 50 catalytic converter thefts that have occurred in Columbus and Bartholomew County since late last year.
Law enforcement officers from the Columbus Police Department’s Intelligence Led Policing Unit, which consists of officers from the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, spotted a vehicle on Tuesday evening that they suspected was associated with several catalytic converter thefts on Columbus’ west side.
The investigation led officers to a Columbus motel where they served a search warrant in the early morning hours on Wednesday, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.
During the warrant service, the officers located three suspects in the motel room along with multiple cutting tools consistent with devices used in removing catalytic converters, as well as drugs, drug paraphernalia, a handgun, and a possible stolen catalytic converter, Harris said.
Arrested were:
Darren D. Morgan, 38, of Saint Paul, three counts of theft (Class A misdemeanors) maintaining a common nuisance (Level 6 felony), possession of heroin (Level 6 felony), unlawful possession of a syringe (Level 6 felony), possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor), possession of marijuana (Class A misdemeanor). Morgan was in the Bartholomew County Jail on a 48-hour hold.
Johnnie Hagan, 48, of Columbus, three counts of theft (Class A misdemeanors), maintaining a common nuisance (Level 6 felony), possession of heroin (Level 6 felony). Hagen was in the Bartholomew County Jail on a 48-hour hold.
Daniel E. Morgan, 35, Columbus, three Counts of theft with a Prior Conviction (Level 6 felonies), maintaining a common nuisance (Level 6 felony), unlawful possession of a syringe (Level 6 felony), possession of marijuana (Class A misdemeanor). Morgan was in the Bartholomew County Jail on a 48-hour hold.
Also assisting in the investigation: Columbus Police Department Uniform Division, Columbus Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.
For more on this story, see Friday’s Republic.
