Columbus Man Injured in Accidental Shooting
Columbus Police are investigating an accidental shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon. At around 1:47 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of a person shot at a business located in the 2100 block of North National Road.
Preliminary investigation indicates that two men were examining a handgun when the firearm’s owner attempted to holster it. During that process, the handgun accidentally discharged, striking a 61-year-old Columbus man in the leg. Responding officers immediately applied a tourniquet to the victim before he was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The victim’s injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.
The investigation is ongoing at this time. There is no threat to the community, and the other involved individual is cooperating with law enforcement
Columbus man sentenced to 5+ years in prison
A Columbus man has been sentenced to more than five years in prison following two incidents from 2025.
According to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, Derek Rothrock was arrested following a February 2025 investigation into residential entry and theft by Columbus police. Officers were called to a home about the incident and identified Rothrock on security footage attempting to enter the home at 3:40 a.m. in the morning. He was charged with attempted residential entry, possession of methamphetamine and conversion.
In November of 2025, officers were called to a home on reports of a domestic disturbance. They discovered that Rothrock threatened to kill someone at the home and damaged the victim’s cell phone. He was arrested on charges of intimidation and criminal mischief.
In March of this year, Rothrock pleaded guilty to charges of attempted residential entry, possession of methamphetamine and intimidation.
Earlier this month, Superior Court 1 Judge Jim Worton sentenced him to five years and two months to be served in the Indiana Department of Corrections prison system.
source https://1010wcsi.com/local-news/columbus-man-sentenced-to-5-years-in-prison/
Rothrock Sentenced on multiple charges
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers with the Columbus Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Columbus in reference to an attempted residential entry and theft. The suspect, later determined to be Derek Rothrock, was observed on security footage attempting to enter the residence at approximately 3:40 a.m. Following an investigation, Rothrock was arrested, found in possession of methamphetamine, and charged with Attempted Residential Entry, a Level 6 felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; and, Conversion, a Class A misdemeanor.
On November 15, 2025, officers with the Columbus Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Columbus in reference to a domestic disturbance. Following an investigation, officers learned Rothrock had threatened to kill an individual in the residence and damaged the victim’s cellular telephone. Rothrock was arrested and charged with Intimidation, a Level 6 felony; and, Criminal Mischief, a Class A misdemeanor.
On March 23, 2026, Rothrock entered pleas of guilty to Attempted Residential Entry, a Level 6 felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; and Intimidation, a Level 6 felony. On May 6, 2026, Judge James Worton of Bartholomew County Superior Court 1 sentenced Rothrock to two (2) years in the Indiana Department of Correction for Attempted Residential Entry, a Level 6 felony, and fourteen (14) months in the Indiana Department of Correction for Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, with those counts to run consecutively to each other. For Intimidation, a Level 6 felony, Judge Worton sentenced Rothrock to two (2) years in the Indiana Department of Correction. In total, the Court sentenced Rothrock to five (5) years and two (2) months in the Indiana Department of Correction. The sentencing range for a Level 6 felony is six (6) months to two and one-half (2.5) years, with an advisory sentence of one (1) year.
NTN Corporation Joins Forces with NSK Ltd. in Major Share Transfer
NTN Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of bearings and related components, has announced a significant strategic move with its long-time rival NSK Ltd.. The two companies have reached a basic agreement to establish a joint holding company through a share transfer and to integrate their businesses.
What the Agreement Involves
- Joint Holding Company: NTN and NSK will create a new holding company to consolidate operations and streamline management.
- Share Transfer: The transaction will involve a transfer of shares between the two companies, effectively merging their business structures under the new entity www.ntnglobal.com.
- Business Integration: The integration aims to combine NTN’s and NSK’s strengths in bearing technology, aftermarket services, and supply chain capabilities, with the goal of enhancing competitiveness in global markets
Strategic Rationale
This move follows years of competition in the bearing industry, where NTN and NSK have been key players in automotive, industrial, and other sectors. By joining forces, the companies seek to:
- Expand market share through combined resources and distribution networks.
- Strengthen supply capabilities to better serve OEM and aftermarket customers.
- Leverage complementary technologies in bearing design, manufacturing, and maintenance
Industry Context
NTN Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a major global bearing manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1918. NSK Ltd., also a Japanese bearing giant, has been a direct competitor in many markets. The integration reflects a broader trend in the industry where large manufacturers are consolidating to adapt to changing market demands and technological advancements. - In summary: NTN Corporation’s decision to partner with NSK Ltd. marks a major shift from rivalry to collaboration, with the creation of a joint holding company and share transfer as the cornerstone of their business integration
Local man hospitalized after Indianapolis Road crash in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ind. — A local man is hospitalized after a Wednesday morning accident on Indianapolis Road in Columbus on Wednesday, May 13.
The Columbus Police Department (CPD) and other first responders were called to the 1600 block of Indianapolis Road at around 11:20 a.m. regarding a personal injury accident.
When officers arrived, they found two vehicles on their sides: a truck and an SUV.
The driver of the SUV, who is 19 years old, was flown from the scene to an Indianapolis hospital with reports of a possible head injury. The 44-year-old operator of the truck sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
The CPD Accident Reconstruction Team was called to the scene. The details surrounding the circumstances of the crash are still under investigation. Indianapolis Road was closed for several hours.
One man is in custody for multiple felony charges following a traffic stop earlier this week
On May 6, 2026 at 1:51 PM, CPD officers stopped a vehicle for speeding near 1st St and Lafayette Ave. During the traffic stop, CPD K9 Oden alerted indicating drugs were inside the car. A search of the vehicle uncovered almost six ounces of methamphetamine, a syringe, and a handgun. More suspected drugs were seized but are being sent to the lab for further testing.
The driver, Rick Hibbs, 27 of Evansville, was arrested and preliminary charged with:
• Dealing methamphetamine, a level 2 felony
• Possession of methamphetamine, a level 3 felony
• Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a level 4 felony
• Possession of a syringe, a level 6 felony
Public records indicate Hibbs has a previous conviction for dealing methamphetamine and escape. He remains in the Bartholomew County Jail.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with this investigation.
All charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
May’s Wanted Poster
2 arrested on meth charges after traffic stop
COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) pulled over a van for going left of center in the 3000 block of S. Gladstone Ave., on Wednesday, just before 11 p.m.
During the traffic stop, a law enforcement K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. While searching it, officers allegedly found about 40 grams of methamphetamine, packaging material, scales, and other drug-related items.
The van’s occupants, Melissa Elkins, 46, and Judy Land, 62, both of Columbus, were arrested and placed on a 48-hour hold.
Elkins was charged with Dealing Meth, Possession of Meth, and Possession of Marijuana.
Land was booked for Possession of Meth and Possession of Paraphernalia.
This is a preliminary investigation. All persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputies arrest two on drug-related charges after traffic stop
Two Women Arrested on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop in Columbus, IN
Two women from Columbus, Indiana, were arrested on drug-related charges after a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department traffic stop on South Gladstone Avenue
Incident Details
At about 10:57 p.m. on Wednesday night, Deputy Conner Martin stopped a white transit van for crossing the centerline.
During the stop, a police K-9 alerted to the smell of narcotics inside the vehicle
A search uncovered approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine, along with packaging materials, scales, and other drug paraphernalia .
Arrests and Charges
Melissa Elkins, 46, of Columbus: Preliminary charges include dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana
Judy Land, 62, of Columbus: Charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.
Both remain in custody on a 48-hour hold while the investigation continues
Next Steps
Authorities are still reviewing the case, and further charges or legal proceedings may follow. The arrest was part of routine enforcement targeting traffic violations and drug-related activity in the area
Columbus/Bartholomew County Area
Columbus police investigating 16-month-old’s death
Columbus Police are investigating the death of a 16-month-old child who was found unresponsive at a home in the 3600 block of Nicholas Lane on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Columbus Police Department, first responders were called at about 2:14 p.m. on April 22 after a caller reported the toddler was not breathing . Officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel responded immediately, transported the child to Columbus Regional Hospital, and later pronounced the toddler dead.
The investigation, led by Columbus Police detectives, is ongoing. Authorities have scheduled an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Police are urging anyone with information — including video, witness statements, or other leads — to contact the department at 812‑376‑2605
Officials emphasize that tips could be critical as the case progresses, especially in light of the autopsy results and follow-up interviews
The community is being asked to remain vigilant and assist in the investigation.
Columbus Police Department News Release
One man has been hospitalized after a vehicle crash on 3rd Street.
At 7:17 pm on April 17th, 2026, Columbus Police officers and other first responders were called to the 3rd Street Bridge near West State Road 46 and State Road 11 for a personal injury accident.
Officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services rushed to the scene.
They found that a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle and a 2013 Toyota SUV had collided.
The 52-year-old male driver of the motorcycle had significant injuries to his legs and possible injuries to his head. Officers immediately began to render aid until medical personnel took over care. The man was transported by helicopter
to an Indianapolis-area hospital for further treatment.
The 48-year-old female driver of the SUV did not report any injury
On April 16, 2026, after a four-day jury trial, a Bartholomew County jury found Brent Clayburn guilty of Attempted Murder and Criminal Confinement with a Deadly Weapon.
These convictions stem from the events of September 15, 2024, when officers with the Columbus Police Department responded to reports of shots fired on Silver Fox Drive. Following a two-hour standoff, Clayburn was safely taken into custody by the SWAT team. The investigation was led by Detective Casey Kendrick.
The jury deliberated for just over three hours before returning guilty verdicts on both counts. The State’s case was presented by Prosecutor Lindsey Holden, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Kim Sexton-Yeager, and Deputy Prosecutor Mat Taylor.
Prosecutor Lindsey Holden stated:
“This verdict is the result of the relentless work and dedication of our prosecution team and the Columbus Police Department. I am incredibly proud of the way this case was investigated and presented in the courtroom. Most importantly, this conviction reflects our continued commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime and holding offenders accountable. We will not waver in that mission.”
