INDIANA — A routine traffic stop in North Vernon spiraled into a hazardous materials incident after officers allegedly discovered drugs, a handgun, and a homemade explosive device inside a vehicle, ultimately leading to a raid in nearby Columbus and the arrest of four individuals.
David E. Axsom, 66, of Columbus, Indiana, was taken into custody near the intersection of U.S. 50 and State Road 7 around 2:00 p.m. on Monday. North Vernon Police Department (NVPD) officers initiated the stop after recognizing Axsom as a driver operating a vehicle with a suspended license.
Road Closures and Bomb Squad Response
Upon approaching the vehicle, officers reported smelling marijuana, prompting a probable cause search. After asking Axsom to step out, police located marijuana and methamphetamine inside the car. A further search revealed a homemade explosive device.
Authorities immediately cordoned off the area and closed surrounding roadways near the busy U.S. 50 and State Road 7 junction to protect the public.
The Indiana State Police Bomb Squad and the Columbus Police Department (CPD) Bomb Squad were called to neutralize the threat.
Explosives experts safely rendered the homemade device harmless at the scene before reopening traffic.
Initial Charges and Booking Details
Axsom was arrested and booked into the Jennings County Jail, where he remains held on a $50,055 bond. He faces the following preliminary charges: trafficking in a penal facility, a Level 5 felony; possession of a destructive device, a Level 6 felony; possession of meth, a Level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor; and prohibited possession of a handgun, a Class A misdemeanor.
Home Search Warrants Lead to Three Additional Arrests
Following Axsom’s arrest, NVPD and CPD officers obtained search warrants for Axsom’s residence located on the 0 block of North Brooks Street in Columbus, Indiana, located roughly 25 miles from the initial traffic stop.
During the search, law enforcement officers recovered materials used to manufacture explosives, along with methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team was brought in to assist with the drug portion of the raid.
The home search resulted in the arrests of three additional individuals:
Vicki Axsom, 62, of Columbus, was charged with a Level 4 felony for dealing methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony for maintaining a common nuisance, and misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Henry Dunn, 63, of Columbus, was charged with misdemeanor visiting a common nuisance.
Linda Compton, 63, of Columbus, was charged with misdemeanor visiting a common nuisance.
All charges remain preliminary as prosecutors review the case, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
