Columbus man arrested at US 50/SR 7 intersection for bomb threat, drug charges

NORTH VERNON, Ind.- The North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) arrested a Columbus man for possession of an explosive device and drug charges following a traffic stop at the intersection of US 50 and SR 7 on Monday, August 31.

At approximately 2 p.m., officers with the North Vernon Police Department encountered and spoke with a male suspected of operating a vehicle with a suspended driver's license at intersection near the Casey's gas station.  During the encounter, officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The male was asked to exit the vehicle, and officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle which revealed marijuana, and the male was placed under arrest.

During the subsequent investigation, officers located methamphetamine next to the male where he had attempted to conceal it. A further search of the vehicle revealed a homemade explosive device. Officers immediately secured the area and closed nearby roadways as a precaution to ensure the safety of the public.

The Indiana State Police and Columbus Police Department Bomb Squad responded to the scene. Bomb squad personnel safely disposed of the device and rendered the area safe.

David Axsom of Columbus, Indiana was arrested and booked into the Jennings County Jail on the following preliminary charges:

• Prohibited Possession of a Handgun (A-Mis)
• Possession of Marijuana (A-Mis)
• Possession of Methamphetamine (L6 Felony)
• Possession of a Destructive Device (L6 Felony)
• Trafficking into a Penal Facility (L5 Felony)

Officers applied for and were granted a search warrant for David Axsom’s residence in Columbus, Indiana. The North Vernon Police Department, in partnership with the Columbus Police Department, executed the warrant. During the search, officers located materials used in the manufacture of explosives, along with methamphetamine, marijuana, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia.

The search warrant resulted in three additional arrests by the Columbus Police Department. All charges are preliminary and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.