Text-to-911 system results in another arrest

The Columbus Police Department (CPD) says that a local man who was wanted on a warrant was arrested after the department received a tip about his whereabouts.

CPD Spokesman Justin Black says that at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Monday, the county’s Emergency Operations Center informed Columbus

Michael W. Nida, II; Photo courtesy of the Columbus Police Dept.
Michael W. Nida, II; Photo courtesy of the Columbus Police Dept.

Police that they had received an anonymous telephone call informing them that 20-year-old Michael W. Nida, II was inside of a residence in the 2600 Block of Forest Drive. The dispatcher reported that the call ended abruptly. Authorities added that the dispatcher recognized that this could possibly be a volatile situation due to the brevity of the call and the fact that Nida has allegedly eluded police several times before. Authorities say the dispatcher was able to send a text message to the caller, who reaffirmed that Nida was inside the residence. She also allegedly texted the dispatcher that she feared for her safety. Authorities say that as a result of the texting between the dispatcher and the caller, police were able to locate and arrest Nida. Black says that Nida was booked in the Bartholomew County Jail on a Level 5 Felony charge of Violation of Probation.

Columbus Police are taking this opportunity to remind you that if you are in need of help due to an emergency and are not able to make a phone call, you can text the information to 911. Authorities say that a dispatcher will then start a text message conversation with them and relay the necessary information to the proper authorities.