Weapons, including one that had been reported stolen, and drugs were seized from a home at 1608 Orinoco Ave. in Columbus, according to law enforcement officials.
At approximately 3:10 a.m., Thursday, Columbus Police Department patrol officers responded to a suspected overdose at 1608 Orinoco Ave. After officers arrived at the home, they came into contact with James H. Wilson Jr., 50, who was unresponsive and not breathing. The officers administered Narcan and with the assistance of paramedics, Wilson was revived.
Officers determined that Wilson had an active parole warrant for his arrest and additional suspected fentanyl was located in his clothing. The Bartholomew Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) was contacted and a search warrant for the home was later obtained. During the investigation, a significant amount of suspected methamphetamine, along with multiple firearms, digital scales with meth residue, drug paraphernalia and marijuana were located pursuant to the search warrant.
Investigators determined that one of the firearms located during the search was stolen during a car break-in from 2022 in Columbus.
Kinser
Investigators later arrested the homeowner, Steve A. Kinser, 70, of Columbus, along with Crystal L. Watkins, 34, of Columbus who was also at the residence.
All three suspects were remanded to the Bartholomew County Jail on the following preliminary charges:
Steve Kinser: Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine greater than 10 grams, Level 6 felony possession of a stolen firearm, and Level 6 felony maintaining a common nuisance.
Wilson
James Wilson: Parole warrant, Level 6 felony possession of a narcotic drug.
Crystal Watkins: Level 6 felony visiting a common nuisance.
The investigation into the sale of illegal drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County continues and additional charges are possible in this ongoing investigation.
Watkins
JNET is a combined unit of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.
