Columbus SWAT standoff leads to arrest of local man

Note: This story has been updated

A standoff between an armed Columbus man and local SWAT team officers ended with an arrest early this morning.

According to the Columbus Police Department, officers noticed a vehicle being driven by 42-year-old Justin M. Morgan, who was a suspect in a recent firearm theft, at about 2:30 this morning. The officer pulled the vehicle over in the 2700 block of California Court but Morgan refused to respond to officers and get out of his vehicle. He also told police he was carrying a handgun.

Columbus police negotiators were called to the scene as well as the SWAT team which is made up of city police officers and Bartholomew County deputies and the Columbus Bomb Squad. Negotiators tried to get Morgan to surrender, but when he refused a robot was used to break the window in his vehicle and release tear gas.

He then left the vehicle where he was arrested.

After being checked out at Columbus Regional Health, Morgan was arrested on preliminary charges of

Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon
Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
Possession of a Legend Drug
Resisting Law Enforcement

Police say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

The Indiana State Police, Bartholomew County deputies and CRH Paramedics also assisted at the scene.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department