COLUMBUS, Ind. — An additional warrant has been issued for David Bevis, 59, of 4000 S. County Road 550W, on drug-related charges after Bevis was arrested by SWAT officers May 5 after a standoff at his home.
Bevis is now accused of felony possession of methamphetamine and possession of 28 or more grams of methamphetamine, in addition to preliminary charges related to the standoff, Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies said.
On May 7, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department detectives and deputies seized approximately 123 grams of methamphetamine from a residence in the 3900 block of South County Road 550W, Columbus, which is a part of Bevis’ property, according to deputies. This seizure is related to the continued investigation into the domestic violence incident and standoff that occurred on the property May 5.
Bevis is currently being held at the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $175,000 bond, jail officials said.
The intelligence gathered during this investigation has spawned additional investigations that may result in future arrests, deputies said.
“This seizure represents another example of the continued work the Sheriff’s Office is doing to address the narcotics issue in our county. This is also a representation of how narcotics is related to several areas of concern within our county such as domestic violence”, said Major Chris Lane.
Deputies were called to Bevis’ residence at 2:52 a.m. May 5 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, Bevis, 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 said.
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, deputies said.
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
For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
