By Suzannah Couch
Brown County Democrat
BROWN COUNTY — Local law enforcement is requesting help to find a 43-year-old Columbus man who is accused of shooting another man in Brown County last week.
Frederick Robert Dees, 43, of Columbus, is wanted for the shooting and burglary that happened on March 21 at a home on State Road 135 North.
Dees is considered to be “armed and dangerous.” He is known to frequent Franklin, Greenwood and Indianapolis. Police advise that no one approach him and to call 911 if anyone sees him.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Dees can also call Det. Paul Henderson or Det. Brian Shrader with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department at 812-988-6655.
An anonymous tip line is also available at 812-988-6620.
On March 25, Dees was formally charged with burglary, Level 1 felony; aggravated battery, Level 3 felony; battery by means of a deadly weapon, Level 5 felony; and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, Level 5 felony.
The charges stem from when police were called to a home in the 7100 block of 135 North for a report of a man who had been shot possibly with a flare or multiple flares, a probable cause affidavit by Henderson states.
When Henderson arrived at the scene, he reported seeing a man with injuries consistent to being shot. Before being transported to the hospital for treatment, the victim told police that Dees had shot him.
Another witness at the scene told police that a man they did not recognize had approached the home. He tried to open the front door before pushing through a window in the home. Once his upper body was through the window, the witness said that the man shot what appeared to be flares, the affidavit states.
The flares then reportedly struck the victim, causing injuries. The witness then called 911 and the suspect left before first responders arrived.
Henderson reported seeing a window with the screen hanging that appeared to have been pushed inwards, the affidavit states.
The witness said the man had covered the lower part of his face and that the victim had told the witness the man was Dees. The witness said they did not know Dees.
