Man blames right foot after rear-ending Bartholomew County deputy

A Bartholomew County sheriff's deputy, J.D. Myers, was rear-ended while stationed in his patrol vehicle at an intersection in Columbus on Tuesday. The accident occurred at the intersection of 10th Street and Whitfield Drive, located just west of U.S. 31.

The driver responsible for the collision, 69-year-old David Caldwell, attributed the accident to his right foot slipping off the brake. However, as Deputy Myers documented the incident, he noticed Caldwell attempting to dispose of a baggie, which he later discovered contained suspected narcotics.

Upon investigation, the substances in the baggie tested positive for fentanyl. Additionally, Caldwell was found to be in possession of a drug pipe and a firearm during the traffic stop.

Caldwell denied knowledge of the baggie when confronted by Deputy Myers. His actions raised suspicions concerning the nature of the incident.

As a result, Caldwell was taken into custody and booked at the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges that include possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotics while in possession of a firearm.