A Crime Stoppers tip led to the arrest of a Columbus man following a standoff with law enforcement Thursday afternoon in East Columbus.
Justin Contrell Hairston, 35, was wanted for trafficking cocaine, possession of a weapon by a felon, felony fleeing in a motor vehicle and simple assault on a correctional officer, crimes that allegedly occurred in October 2021. Hairston was charged as a habitual offender on all counts and was indicted in 2023.
A bench warrant for his arrest was issued by Judge Lee Howard on Feb. 18 after Hairston failed to show for a bond appearance in relation to those alleged crimes.
Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins told The Dispatch a Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers tip led LCSO and U.S. marshals to Hairston at about 6 p.m. Thursday at an apartment at 500 Greentree Drive, where Hairston was “visiting a girl.”
Upon arrival, Hairston refused to leave the apartment following “multiple” commands from law enforcement, according to an LCSO press release. The remaining units in the building were evacuated by officers as a standoff lasting between 30 and 45 minutes ensued, Hawkins said. Hairston was unarmed.
After Hairston refused to comply, U.S. marshals entered the apartment, where Hairston further resisted arrest, the press release said. Hairston was then tasered and taken into custody.
Hairston is being held at Lowndes County Adult Detention Center without bond.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
