COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies and the CPD/BCSD SWAT team took a local man into custody after a standoff at his home that began at 2:42 a.m. Wednesday in the 4000 block of County Road 550W.
Deputies were called there about a report of a domestic battery involving a deadly weapon.
According to a witness, who was able to barricade herself inside the house and call police, the
suspect, David Bevis, 59, Columbus, was threatening to kill his wife, deputies said. The victim reported that Bevis had struck her several times with a shotgun.
On arrival, deputies observed Bevis walking around outside with, what appeared to be, a long
gun, deputies said. After giving Bevis multiple commands to drop his weapon, Bevis refused, ran inside and barricaded himself inside the residence.
Deputies immediately set a perimeter around the house and gave Bevis multiple orders to exit the structure. The victim and witness reported that the suspect told them “if you call 911, we’re all dying.”
While deputies were communicating with the suspect, Bevis referenced “suicide by cop,” deputies said.
The SWAT Team was activated and CPD negotiators arrived on scene.
Bevis told officers to send three officers without children because he had them lined up in his sight, deputies said.
During the negotiations, the suspect’s demeanor fluctuated from his being willing to “give up” to threatening to shoot police officers.
After more than an hour of negotiation, Bevis exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident.
During the investigation, officers determined Bevis had been categorized as a serious, violent felon with a prior charge for child molestation. During a search of his home, firearms were located and seized. Bevis also had cameras placed throughout the house, deputies said.
Authorities have been to this same residence on previous occasions for reports of battery.
Since drug use could be an indication of his behavioral changes, Bevis was taken to Columbus
Regional Hospital for clearance before being remanded to the Bartholomew County Jail on the following preliminary charges:
–Intimidation – Level 5 felony
–Domestic Battery with a deadly weapon – Level 5 felony
–Criminal Confinement with a deadly weapon – Level 3 felony
–Possession of methamphetamine – Level 6 felony
–Possession of precursor – Level 6 felony
–Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A misdemeanor
Bevis remains in BCJ in lieu of $175,000 bond.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
