Chainsaws, ATVs found at ‘junkyard’ lead to arrest of 2

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) – Two people were in custody Thursday after police served a search warrant at their home which led to the recovery large amounts of stolen property. 

Officers responded to the home in the 1200 block of of Jonesville Road on Tuesday evening after receiving a complaint of stolen property at the home. 

Upon arrival, officials recovered guns, chainsaws, ATVs and motorcycles. A methamphetamine lab was also found on the property along with drug paraphernalia. 

“It’s pretty scary, I’ve got teenagers at home,” said Columbus resident Beverly Proctor. “All my friends have got little kids. It’s real scary that people were doing this stuff.” 

Columbus police arrested 40-year-old Shawn Miller and 31-year-old Amie Chapman in connection with the thefts.

“I thought it was a junkyard,” said Columbus resident Johnny Seniours. “I mean, there’s a bunch of junk in the back .. I had no clue!” 

With the house-sitting right off busy State Road 11, some people in the Columbus community were in shock that the thieves were busy stealing and storing their prized possessions in broad daylight.

“Everybody goes by there,” Seniours said. “A lot of people thought it was a junkyard!” 

With Chapman and Miller behind bars, those who live in Columbus are relieved police stepped in before any of the stolen items got into the wrong hands.

“Because anyone could have gotten a hold of them,” the guns, Proctor said. “Felons or kids could have gotten them.” 

Investigators tracked the property to thefts that were reported in Indiana as well as Kentucky. 

Miller and Chapman face multiple drug charges and charges of maintaining a common nuisance.