Indianapolis man faces gun, other charges, after alleged shoplifting

A man accused of shoplifting alcohol at a Columbus Walmart was also allegedly carrying a handgun when police chased after him.

Columbus police report that the incident happened Thursday evening when officers were called to the shoplifting report at the east side Walmart. Police say that 32-year-old Stephen A. Banks, of Indianapolis, was carrying a silver handgun when police confronted him, and as he ran away he dropped the weapon.

Officers found the .45 caliber pistol was loaded and had a round chambered. A search allegedly revealed Banks was carrying heroin in his clothing.

Banks is facing preliminary charges of Resisting Law Enforcement with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Handgun by a Serious Violent Felon and Theft.