CPD, CFD investigate after fatal garage fire

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Columbus Police Department (CPD) was called to the 2300 block of Pearl Street on Wednesday night regarding a residential entry attempt by a man trying to gain entry to the house. 

When officers arrived at around 8 p.m., they found someone walking toward the backyard. Police told the man to stop, but he ran into a detached garage.     

CPD set up a perimeter and kept calling for the man to come out. While trying to communicate, officers noticed smoke coming from the garage.

They tried to force entry, but could not get in. They then attempted to get in another way, but the smoke and fire had grown too strong.    

The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) soon arrived and began to extinguish the fire that was contained to the detached garage. One man was found deceased inside.    

Although officers were originally dispatched to the home for a residential entry, further investigation shows the incident appears to have begun as a domestic disturbance. The man who was found deceased is believed to have lived at the house.

CFD fire inspectors, CPD detectives, and the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate.