Two Arrested after Residential Burglary

March 31st, 2025

Two men are in jail following a residential burglary investigation in which a firearm was stolen. On March 26^th, 2025, Columbus Police Department officers were called to a home in the 2200 block of Ohio Avenue in reference to a burglary. The homeowner reported that someone had broken into his house while he was gone and stolen some electronics and a shotgun. The homeowner had video of the suspect, who was wearing pink joggers, a pink hooded sweatshirt, and a black coat.

Later in their shift, officers got called to an address in the 300 block of Cleveland Street for a person trespassing. When they arrived, they found Dustin Harden, 20 of Hope. He was wearing pink joggers and a pink hooded sweatshirt. Officers put Harden in handcuffs and found marijuana and a smoking pipe next to him. Harden then tried to run from the officers, but was captured nearby. He was taken to the hospital to be evaluated before going to the Bartholomew County Jail.

During the investigation that ensued after Harden’s arrest, officers and investigators were able to find all of the stolen items from the burglary. They also gathered evidence that Phillip Brantley, 60 of Columbus, had been in possession of the shotgun.

Harden was arrested for the preliminary charges of:

-Burglary, level 5 felony
-Resisting law enforcement, A misdemeanor
-Possession of marijuana, B misdemeanor
-Possession of paraphernalia, C misdemeanor

Brantley was arrested for the preliminarily charges of:

-Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, level 4 felony
-Obstruction of justice, level 6 felony

Both remain in the Bartholomew County Jail.

All charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.