(Columbus, IN) – A Greensburg man was arrested in Columbus on six felony charges after he allegedly pointed a firearm at another person early Sunday morning and later resisted arrest during a traffic stop.
Columbus Police says at around 1 a.m., officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 600 block of Maple Street. During the incident, it was reported that 31-year-old Jesse J. Sparks pointed a firearm at another person. Sparks reportedly fled the area in a red minivan. Officers observed a red minivan a short time later and stopped the vehicle on 25th Street.
Columbus Police Department officers and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies made contact with Sparks who was the driver of the vehicle.
Investigators say Sparks was uncooperative with law enforcement and refused to exit the vehicle. When officers attempted restrain Sparks’ arms, he pulled away and began reaching in the vehicle where the officers could not see. A Taser was deployed by the officers and Sparks was eventually removed from the vehicle and was taken into custody.
Police say a loaded 9mm pistol was recovered from the waistband of Sparks’ pants. The officers also reportedly found a large amount of methamphetamine and U.S. currency in Sparks’ clothing.
During a search of the vehicle, officers say they located a backpack containing additional methamphetamine that appeared to be packaged for sale as well as drug paraphernalia including digital scales.
A small child who was in the back seat of Sparks’ vehicle was removed by law enforcement officers during the incident and was left in the care of a family member.
A Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputy who received a minor injury during the altercation was treated at Columbus Regional Hospital.
Sparks was arrested and taken to the Bartholomew County Jail where he was in custody on a 48-hour hold and is facing preliminary charges of Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 felony); Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 felony); Neglect of a Dependent; Intimidation with a Firearm (both Level 5 felonies), Pointing a Firearm, and Resisting Law Enforcement (both Level 6 felonies).
