Full Notification

Columbus – A Columbus man who struggled with an Indiana State Police Trooper after a shoplifting incident has been arrested and incarcerated in the Bartholomew County Jail.

On April 26, 2015 around 12:03 AM, Indiana State Police Trooper Korry Clark responded to a report of a shoplifter putting items in his pockets at the Circle K Convenience store on Central Avenue at 17^th Street. Trooper Clark arrived at the store and made contact with Steven Keller 23, of Columbus who was getting into a green Dodge pick-up truck. Keller refused Trooper Clark’s commands to take his hands out of his pockets or get out of the truck. Trooper Clark pulled Keller from the truck and a struggle ensued as he tried to place Keller in handcuffs. Trooper Clark secured Keller in handcuffs and requested Columbus Police Officer Niberger place the driver of the truck, Benjamin Bailey 24, of Columbus, in handcuffs as well.

A subsequent search of Keller by Trooper Clark yielded a baggie containing what is suspected to be Heroin and around $12.00 of alleged stolen candy inside his pockets. Officer Niberger located a baggie of suspected Heroin as well during a search of Bailey.

Keller and Bailey were each transported to the Bartholomew County jail. Keller is facing one count each of Possession of Heroin, a Level 6 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor and Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor. Bailey is facing one count each of Possession of Heroin, a Level 6 Felony and Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Trooper Clark was assisted by Columbus Police Officer Niberger during this incident.