Columbus, IN— Late Monday morning, a man entered the lobby of the Bartholomew County Jail and indicated to front desk staff that he was going to commit serious bodily harm to Sheriff Matthew A. Myers.
The man, identified as Justin C. Eddelman, 32, Columbus, left the front lobby and proceeded upstairs to the administrative area where he met Sheriff Myers and engaged in a physical confrontation with him.
Eddelman entered the lobby of the Bartholomew County Jail. After briefly stopping at the front desk, he proceeded upstairs to a secure Administrative wing. At that time, BCSO front desk staff followed all proper procedures and took appropriate action. At the top of the staircase, the door into BCSO’s Administrative Offices remained locked and secure. Eddelman never made it inside the Administrative wing.
The physical confrontation occurred when Eddelman attempted to leave the area. It was at that time that Sheriff Myers opened the door to restrain him. Proper procedure was followed by everyone involved and the situation was handled without injury to Mr. Eddelman or additional injury to Sheriff Myers who hurt his knee during the scuffle.
Sheriff Myers was treated and released. Eddelman was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital for a mental health evaluation before he was returned to the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges on allegations of Intimidation on a police officer, Resisting arrest, Battery on a police officer, and Disorderly conduct.
